Elle marche au milieu d’une forêt déboisée pour les besoins du « Train maya » dans la péninsule du Yucatan (sud-est du Mexique), chantier emblématique du président dont elle vient d’obtenir avec d’autres activistes la suspension partielle, au nom de la protection des arbres et d’un réseau souterrain de puits pré-hispaniques.
Spéléologue, Tania Ramirez, 42 ans, avance au milieu de deux bulldozers à l’arrêt qui ont tailladé le massif forestier à la sortie de Playa del Carmen vers Tulum (64 km). « Un suicide », lâche-t-elle. Et encore ne s’agit-il, selon Mme Ramirez, que de la partie des dégâts visible à l’oeil nu dans cette vitrine touristique du Mexique, pays parmi les plus visités au monde (et même deuxième destination mondiale en 2021 d’après certaines sources). Outre la forêt, le chantier du Train menace surtout le sous-sol de la péninsule, royaume des dieux de la mort et de la maladie dans les croyances maya. Le Yucatan repose sur un réseau de cours d’eau souterrains uniques au monde: grottes, rivières et puits d’eau douce, les mystérieux cénotes.
1/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
2/21
Aerial view showing the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
3/21
A tourist swims in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
4/21
Aerial view showing heavy machinery parked at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
5/21
Picture of cut-down trees at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
6/21
Aerial view showing the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
7/21
Picture taken in the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
8/21
An activist walks through the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
© AFP
9/21
View on the jungle where section 5 south Playa del Carmen-Tulum of the Mayan Train was being built, currently suspended by a district judge based on a lawsuit promoted by divers and environmentalists, in PLaya del Carmen, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
10/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
11/21
Aerial view showing heavy machinery parked at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
12/21
Activist and speleologist Tania Ramirez walks out of a cave known as Dama Blanca (White Lady) in the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
13/21
A tourist swims in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
14/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
15/21
Heavy machinery remains parked at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
16/21
A tourist takes a picture in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
17/21
A security guard walks at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
18/21
Tourists swim in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at the Casa Tortuga (Turtle House) natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 28, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
19/21
Tourists swim in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
20/21
Tourists pose for a picture in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
21/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
1/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
2/21
Aerial view showing the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
3/21
A tourist swims in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
4/21
Aerial view showing heavy machinery parked at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
5/21
Picture of cut-down trees at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
6/21
Aerial view showing the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
7/21
Picture taken in the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
8/21
An activist walks through the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
© AFP
9/21
View on the jungle where section 5 south Playa del Carmen-Tulum of the Mayan Train was being built, currently suspended by a district judge based on a lawsuit promoted by divers and environmentalists, in PLaya del Carmen, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
10/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
11/21
Aerial view showing heavy machinery parked at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
12/21
Activist and speleologist Tania Ramirez walks out of a cave known as Dama Blanca (White Lady) in the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
13/21
A tourist swims in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
14/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
15/21
Heavy machinery remains parked at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
16/21
A tourist takes a picture in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
17/21
A security guard walks at the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
18/21
Tourists swim in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at the Casa Tortuga (Turtle House) natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 28, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
19/21
Tourists swim in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
20/21
Tourists pose for a picture in a water-filled sinkhole known as cenote at Aktun Chen natural park, near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in Akumal, Tulum, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 27, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
21/21
Spanish speleologist and diver Vicente Fito, 48, explores the cave system known as Garra de Jaguar (Jaguar’s Claw), near the construction site of Section 5 South of the Mayan Train between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was halted by a district judge pending resolution of an injunction sought by scuba divers and environmentalists — in the jungle in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on April 26, 2022. – A Mexican judge earlier this month suspended construction of part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s flagship tourist train project in the Yucatan peninsula due to a lack of environmental impact studies. The Mayan Train, a roughly 1,500-kilometre (950 mile) rail loop linking popular Caribbean beach resorts and archeological ruins, has met with opposition from environmentalists and indigenous communities. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)
Nichés dans des gouffres naturels, ces réservoirs d’eau turquoise se comptent par milliers. Voie de passage vers l' »inframonde » des Maya, les cénotes sont d’une grande valeur écologique et archéologique. Et même touristique: certains sont aménagés pour des baignades en famille. Ce sont ces puits et ces gouffres qui sont menacés par le chantier du train touristique Maya — 1.554 km au total, dont 60 km sur le tronçon litigieux, d’après la spéléologue. « A chaque pas tu peux trouver une grotte », selon Tania Ramirez, qui conduit l’équipe de l’AFP dans l’une des cavités découvertes sur le tracé du train.
L’entrée est à peine visible entre les troncs abattus et les branches mortes. A l’intérieur, des chauves-souris volent entre des stalactites. La grotte conduit à une rivière souterraine. Dans un autre caveau naturel, Tania Ramirez affirme avoir découvert des vestiges archéologiques, peut-être un garde-manger de l’époque maya selon elle. Ces découvertes en marge du chantier sont protégées, affirme le gouvernement, qui prétend également avoir planté 500.000 hectares d’arbres en surface.
Tania Ramirez s’entend souvent dire que les grottes ne se trouvent pas sur le tracé du train. Mais l’argument ne convainc pas les spécialistes, qui comparent le sous-sol de la région à un vaste gruyère. « C’est une zone creuse qui ne supporterait pas le poids d’un train », estime Vicente Fito, plongeur de 48 ans.
« Imposteurs »
Entre Playa del Carmen et Tulum, le tronçon numéro 5 du train touristique a déclenché une bataille ouverte entre les défenseurs de l’environnement et le président Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Initialement, le train devait suivre le tracé de la route Tulum-Cancun. Le parcours a finalement été modifié début 2022 vers l’intérieur des terres où le sol est plus ferme, d’après le président. Las! Un juge fédéral a ordonné fin avril la suspension provisoire des travaux, après un recours de Tania Ramirez et d’autres activistes du collectif « Sauve-moi du train ». Le juge a estimé que le chantier n’avait pas été précédé d’études d’impact environnemental. La société a besoin de ce transport public, mais aussi que sa construction se fasse « conformément aux dispositions légales en matière d’environnement qui prévalent en droit mexicain », a écrit le magistrat. Pas plus tard que lundi, une autre ONG environnementaliste a affirmé qu’un autre juge avait également demandé la suspension des travaux.
Tournant le dos aux environnementalistes, le président a visité lundi l’usine Alstom-Bombardier qui a signé un contrat pour construire « 42 trains avec 210 wagons pour le train Maya », a-t-il indiqué sur Twitter. AMLO (ses initiales, son surnom) a dénoncé en avril la présence d' »imposteurs » parmi les défenseurs de l’environnement dont certains sont, selon lui, les suppôts de campagnes politiques financées par les Etats-Unis.
Le chef de l’Etat estime que son train d’un coût total de 10 milliards de dollars permettra le développement de la péninsule du Yucatan. Près de la moitié de la population vit dans la pauvreté dans l’arrière-pays de l’Etat du Quintana Roo, derrière les vitrines brillantes du tourisme international (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum). « Nous avons besoin de ce type de projets », assure Lenin Betancourt, président du Conseil de coordination des entrepreneurs de la Riviera Maya. « Nous devons combattre cette pauvreté ». Pour un autre spéléologue et activiste, Otto Von Bertrab, la seule solution viable, selon lui, est que le train retrouve son tracé le long de la route. Dans le cas contraire « la destruction sera le leg de ce président ».
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou disposez de plus d’infos? Signalez-le ici