Profepa halts illegal copal resin extraction in Morelos

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) halted the illegal extraction of copal resin within the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve in Tepalcingo, Morelos. During an operation conducted on September 23, officials working alongside the National Guard and local ejido authorities discovered individuals from outside the community collecting resin without the required permits from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

The unauthorized activity targeted the Bursera bipinnata species, commonly known as copal chino or copal santo. The extraction caused environmental damage across approximately six hectares of land. In response, authorities implemented a total temporary closure of the site, seized the collected forest material and tools used in the process, and initiated administrative proceedings against those involved.