protect Pacchen

This Pristine Mayan Eco-village Needs Your Help!

In the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, the sacred and biodiverse eco-village of Pacchen stands as a testament to the rich heritage and ancient wisdom of the Mayan people. As a vital biosphere reserve, Pacchen plays a crucial role in preserving the unique biodiversity and natural beauty of the region.

The community of Pacchen faces unprecedented challenges. We want to preserve this cultural and environmental treasure. Our mission is to protect the land, support the people, and safeguard the traditions that make Pacchen a beacon of resilience and spirituality.

Get Involved!

Join us in Protecting pacchen

Your support is crucial in our fight to protect Pacchen from the threats posed by the Tren Maya project and the economic challenges brought by the pandemic. Together, we can work towards a future where development and conservation go hand in hand, ensuring that this beautiful and sacred region continues to thrive.

Learn more about how you can help and make a difference today.

Tren Maya: A Threat to Pacchen’s Future

Destruction of the Jungle:

The Tren Mayaa project, while aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth, is causing irreversible damage to the pristine jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula. Large swathes of ancient forest are being cleared to make way for the railway, leading to the loss of critical habitats for countless species of flora and fauna. This deforestation is not only devastating to the environment but also threatens the traditional way of life for the indigenous communities that call these jungles home.

Ecological Imbalance: The construction and operation of the Tren Maya are disrupting the delicate ecological balance of the region. The introduction of heavy machinery and increased human activity is causing fragmentation of habitats, which negatively impacts wildlife corridors and biodiversity. Species that once thrived in these interconnected ecosystems are now facing displacement and decline.

Threat to Sacred Cenotes: Perhaps the most alarming impact is the damage to the underground water systems, particularly the sacred cenotes. These natural sinkholes are not only a vital source of fresh water but also hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Mayan people. The debris and pollution from the construction are contaminating these pristine waters, threatening both the health of the local communities and the delicate aquatic ecosystems that rely on them.

Economic Impact of COVID-19

Loss of Employment: Before the pandemic, Pacchen had a longstanding tour contract with a company called Alternative, which provided stable employment for the community for 25 years. However, the company went bankrupt during COVID-19, leaving 200 families without a reliable source of income. This sudden loss has forced many of Pacchen’s strongest members to leave their village in search of work in the growing cities of Playa del Carmen and Tulum to support their tribe.

Independent but Struggling: While the community now operates independently, which they value, the economic hardship has been profound. The lack of employment opportunities within the village has strained their resources and disrupted their traditional way of life.

The Challenges

Our Response

We are committed to addressing these pressing issues through a multi-faceted approach:

Advocacy and Awareness: We are raising awareness about the environmental and cultural impacts of the Tren Maya project. Through educational campaigns and community outreach, we aim to inform and mobilize people to take action against the ongoing destruction.
Conservation Efforts: We are working on the ground to mitigate the damage. Our initiatives include conscious tourism, indigenous cultural exchange, conservation programs, and efforts to protect and preserve the sacred cenotes.
Economic Support and Development: We are developing sustainable economic opportunities for the Pacchen community. By promoting eco-tourism and asking for support from local businesses, we aim to foster innovation at Pacchen and support them in building a new vision for their independence.
Sustainable Alternatives: We advocate for and support sustainable tourism and development practices that respect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region. By promoting eco-friendly alternatives, we aim to create a balance between progress and preservation.