Veracruz officials deny turtle nest damage at Tecolutla MotoFest

Luz Mariela Zaleta Mendoza, the Secretary of Environment for Veracruz, stated that no formal complaints have been filed with Profepa regarding alleged damage to olive ridley turtle nests during the MotoFest Navajos 2026 in Tecolutla.

Environmentalists and local groups, such as Vida Milenaria, have contested this claim. They report that the use of motorcycles, ATVs, and 4x4 vehicles on the beach, along with loud music and lights, caused sand compaction and destroyed nests in the Santuario Playas del Totonacapan, a critical nesting site. Activists are demanding the cancellation of permits for motorized mass events in federal nesting zones.

While the event achieved 100% hotel occupancy in Tecolutla, the incident has reignited the debate regarding the balance between tourism and wildlife conservation.