Reporte Semanal Del Tren Maya. 06 De Marzo De 2023

The Tren Maya project has been making remarkable advances in two key aspects: environmental conservation and community welfare. In this comprehensive report, we will delve into the environmental efforts of the Tren Maya and the programs that are aimed at improving the well-being of the communities along its route.

A Commitment to the Environment

First and foremost, it is essential to highlight that the Tren Maya is dedicated to environmental responsibility. The project is accompanied by the largest reforestation program in the world, known as "Sembrando Vida" (Planting Life). This initiative aims to plant 500 million fruit and timber trees in the southeastern region of Mexico. Additionally, the project focuses on expanding natural protected areas and reducing pollutants through the use of clean energy. In fact, 44% of the railway will be electrified, significantly decreasing pollution levels. The Tren Maya will also employ low-sulfur fuel, further minimizing environmental impact.

Furthermore, the project acknowledges the importance of preserving natural wonders such as cenotes (natural sinkholes), caves, and underground rivers. To safeguard these treasures, viaducts and cable-stayed bridges will be constructed along the railway route. Additionally, the project will create wildlife crossings, unlike anything seen in previous endeavors. The Tren Maya is going above and beyond in its commitment to protecting the environment.

Programs for Community Welfare

The Tren Maya extends its positive impact beyond environmental conservation. In the five states that the railway passes through, various programs for community welfare are being implemented. These programs include pension plans for the elderly, support for individuals with disabilities, scholarships for students, housing improvement initiatives, and access to financial aid and fertilizers for farmers, among others.

The Tren Maya is not simply a train and tracks; it is a holistic project aimed at promoting tourism, connecting communities, fostering overall development, and bringing happiness to the people. Let's dive deeper into these impressive environmental advancements and community programs.

Environmental Advancements of the Tren Maya

Through this report, we will share the progress made in different environmental aspects of the Tren Maya. Firstly, we will look at the environmental impact assessments and authorizations that have been obtained for the project. All environmental impact assessments have been conducted in a timely manner, demonstrating a commitment to proper procedures and public consultations. More than 1,200 public consultations were held, ensuring that stakeholders had a voice in the decision-making process.

Another noteworthy achievement is the creation of new protected natural areas. For instance, a biological corridor encompassing 44,000 hectares has been established voluntarily for conservation purposes. This corridor is actively supported by 4,486 local farmers and landowners who are participating in the initiative. Additionally, an area named Nuevo Uxmal, spanning 2,200 hectares, is being developed as a protected natural area. This conservation effort involves the restoration of the ecosystem and the preservation of endemic flora and fauna species such as Salam el Siricote, Chaca, Javin, Ceiba, Guano, Faisán, Guacamaya, Colibrí, Cenzonte, Cardinal, Ruiseñor, Tejón, Marcha, Zorrillo, Pecarí, Mapache, and a wide variety of snakes.

The Mangle Puerto Morelos, despite its seemingly small size of 500 hectares, holds significant importance due to intense real estate pressure in the region. This protected area will contribute to the preservation of four essential mangrove types: red, black, botoncillo, and white. Moreover, it serves as a refuge and breeding ground for various fauna species, including crocodiles, rayed spinytail iguanas, and spider monkeys. It is a site of great biocultural significance.

Lastly, the Jaguar Protected Natural Area, announced by the President on July 17, 2022, spans 2,249.71 hectares and is an essential addition to the Tulum National Park. This new protected area contributes to the conservation of several species, including jaguars, spider monkeys, and black spinytail iguanas, as well as various types of flora such as nacas palms, bucanero, and guano de Costa.

These environmental advancements, combined with nature-based solutions, are estimated to have a significant impact on carbon dioxide mitigation. Through initiatives like Sembrando Vida and the establishment of protected areas, a potential mitigation of 33.07 million metric tons of carbon dioxide is expected from 2019 to 2030.

Mitigating Climate Change

Mitigating climate change is a top priority for the Tren Maya project. By electrifying a substantial portion of the railway and using low-sulfur diesel, the project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The transition from traditional vehicles to the Tren Maya for both passenger and cargo transportation is projected to mitigate approximately 2.84 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from 2024 to 2030. The Tren Maya's increased energy efficiency plays a key role in achieving this reduction.

Programs for Community Welfare - Making a Difference

Turning our attention to programs for community welfare, the Tren Maya is focused on delivering a range of benefits to the regions it passes through. Let's delve into some of these programs and their impact on the community.

Pensions for Senior Citizens

Currently, 927,000 senior citizens receive a bi-monthly pension of 4,800 pesos, representing an investment of 26.7 billion pesos for the entire region. This financial support enables senior citizens to meet their needs and enjoy a decent life.

Support for Individuals with Disabilities

A total of 168,342 individuals with disabilities already receive a pension, primarily children. Three out of the five states on the Tren Maya route have joined the Universal Pension program, providing families with a bi-monthly payment of 2,950 pesos. The investment for these regions amounts to 2.94 billion pesos.

Scholarships and Educational Support

The Tren Maya project places great importance on education and offers various scholarship programs. Currently, 1,721,136 students receive scholarships, promoting access to quality education. Furthermore, 23,137 schools have been rehabilitated under the "Escuela Es Nuestra" (The School is Ours) program, with an investment of 5.68 billion pesos.

Sembrando Vida - Planting Seeds of Prosperity

The Sembrando Vida program, which aims to provide livelihood opportunities for farmers and promote sustainable practices, has benefitted 177,642 individuals. These individuals receive a monthly wage of 6,000 pesos, representing a total investment of 12.79 billion pesos. Additionally, 763,749 producers, including fishermen and peasants, are supported through programs focused on their respective industries.

Housing Improvement

31,583 families in the region have received support for housing improvement, amounting to an investment of 1.29 billion pesos. These improvements significantly enhance the living conditions of families and contribute to their overall well-being.

Tandas for Welfare

The Tandas for Welfare program has benefited 242,000 small business owners, primarily women. These individuals operate family businesses and have received a total investment of 1.679 billion pesos. The program helps to strengthen local economies and foster entrepreneurial growth.

The Well-being Bank

The Well-being Bank, also known as Banco del Bienestar, plays a pivotal role in delivering all welfare programs directly to beneficiaries. Currently, there are 137 operational branches, serving 245 municipalities along the Tren Maya route. The goal is to establish 382 branches, further expanding its reach.

Improving Infrastructure through Social Infrastructure Contribution Fund

The Social Infrastructure Contribution Fund is a right granted to states and municipalities to strengthen infrastructure in areas such as water supply, drainage, sewerage, electrification, and urbanization. This fund benefits 271 municipalities in the region, with a total investment of 25.84 billion pesos.

When we tally up all the pension and welfare beneficiaries, the total number reaches an impressive 3.931 million individuals. The annual social investment in this region amounts to a staggering 71.789 billion pesos. Coupled with the national funds for infrastructure improvement, the total investment reaches nearly 97 billion pesos. This substantial support bolsters the region's economy and provides the means for its residents to meet their daily needs.

Testimonies of Hope and Progress

The Tren Maya has become a beacon of hope, inclusion, and equity for the communities it traverses. Residents express their gratitude for the opportunities brought by the project. The Sembrando Vida program, for example, provides individuals with a sense of economic stability, allowing them to sustain themselves and even start businesses. The tourism prospects that the railroad brings provide a chance for locals to transport and sell their products to visitors. This not only generates income but also reconnects families who have moved away for work, reigniting a sense of belonging. The Tren Maya works as a source of pride and appreciation for the government's dedication to the welfare of its people.

Conclusion: A Path to Conservation and Prosperity

Across its 1,500-kilometer route, the Tren Maya guarantees the preservation of natural resources and territorial integrity for the benefit of local communities. Impressive efforts such as rescuing over 832,000 plants, relocating thousands of animals, and constructing a record-breaking number of wildlife crossings demonstrate the project's commitment to environmental conservation. The creation of protected areas, such as the Jaguar Protected Natural Area, and the expansion of the Calakmul region solidifies Mexico's position as the second-largest tropical rainforest reserve in the world, after the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

With an estimated mitigation potential of 33.07 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from 2019 to 2030, the Tren Maya is a strong ally in the fight against climate change. Through electrification and a transition towards low-sulfur diesel, the project aims to reduce emissions and support a sustainable future.

Additionally, the Tren Maya's wide-ranging community programs provide crucial support to senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, students, and small business owners. These interventions promote social welfare, economic stability, and overall prosperity.

As we eagerly count down the 290 days remaining until the Tren Maya's inauguration in December 2023, we are reminded that this project represents more than just a railway. It symbolizes a path to conservation, inclusivity, and progress - a source of hope, happiness, and well-being for the people of Mexico.