Externalities Associated to the Mayan Train

The Mayan Train, a significant infrastructure project connecting Mexico's southeast region, has exacerbated social and environmental conflicts around the UNESCO-listed Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Research reveals that while the train aims to boost regional development, it has intensified water scarcity, deforestation, community displacement, and tourism-related land use changes. A study analyzing economic, social, and environmental impacts through interviews with key stakeholders and surveys of 70 individuals found a complex network of actors balancing individual interests with broader benefits. The findings highlight the unintended consequences of large-scale infrastructure projects on protected areas, particularly in terms of externalities affecting local communities and ecosystems.

González Fonseca, F. I., González, I. F., & Rodríguez, C. K. (2025). Externalities Associated to the Mayan Train. Building Sustainable Tourism Communities, 106–124. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003497011-9