The Colectivo Los Cardenales, a bird-watching collective non-profit group, dedicated to observing nature, reported harassment by agents of the National Guard and workers at the recently inaugurated Gran Parque La Plancha.
Mérida, Yucatán.- In a social media publication, they reported that on Saturday, December 2nd, despite the fact they were watching birds, site staff recorded and photographed them as if they were conducting some kind of illegal act.
Approximately 40 minutes after their arrival, park employees informed them that they could not continue bird watching without a permit and took them to the park offices.
There, they explained that the use of cameras or binoculars is not allowed in the park, which is federal property, without the corresponding permit.
Although the group decided to withdraw to continue their activity, they said that agents of the National Guard followed and harassed them for several minutes until they exited the premises.
The group expressed its concern about this type of situation in public spaces, which they consider an unjustified restriction on their right to observe birds in groups.
In addition, they reiterated that, according to statements issued by the federal government, the park should be a “space of enjoyment and fun for Yucatecans and any visitor.”
The Cardenales collective pointed out that this is the second time in less than two months that they have faced harassment by authorities while carrying out bird-watching activities.
Faced with this situation, they called on people to share their experiences and reiterated that bird-watching is not a crime.
Bird watching could become an important asset in terms of Tourism for the state, as Yucatán is one of the regions in the world with the largest biodiversity, mostly when it comes to bird species; but if the federal and state authorities restrict and annoy tourists and nature lovers, that could obviously be an obstacle for the enjoyment of this activity.
