Thesis subject

MSc thesis topic: Megaprojects vs nature: landscape connectivity in the Yucatan peninsula.

In 2018, one of the biggest, most ambitious and most controversial infrastructure projects in Mexico began. The launch of “El Tren Maya” (Mayan train) had as aim to connect five states across the Yucatan peninsula: Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo with 1,500 kilometres of new construction.

Its construction began without proper environmental impact assessment. Thus, it is no surprise that its environmental viability has been questioned (BERTRAM et al, 2024,) and research on its impact in several regions has been studied.

Background

This megaproject changes the spatial planning of all states involved. These also happen to be some of the most diverse regions in Mexico, both culturally and environmentally (Ansótegui, E, 2021). Benitez J. et al, (2019), for example, concluded that several species are highly sensitive to the potential impact from the railroad construction. Amongst which endemic species like the Jaguar (Panthera onca), Puma ( Puma concolor) and culebra caracolera (Dipsas brevifacies). A study that shows how the potential habitat fragmentation of one or more endemic species would affect landscape connectivity in the Yucatan peninsula region is yet to be performed. Thus, this thesis will focus on selecting umbrella species of the region, calculating and comparing habitat corridors before and after the megaproject implementation.

Objectives

Objectives and Research questions will be discussed and adapted with supervisors but may include:

  • How will the connectivity between natural protected areas be impacted?
  • What are the differences in habitat corridor distribution before and after the megaproject?
  • Is there a difference in impact amongst the regions?

Requirements

  • Student has followed GRS20806 Geotools

Literature and information

Expected reading list before starting the thesis research

Theme(s): Modelling & visualisation