Mexico halts major tourism developments in Quintana Roo over environmental risks

Mexican federal authorities have halted several major tourism and real estate developments in Quintana Roo due to environmental risks. The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) rejected four large-scale projects in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, involving investments exceeding 8.1 billion pesos. The rejected developments include Playa del Secreto Hotel & Resort, Hotels 2 and 3, Hotel Resort 2, and the GL Dreams subdivision. Semarnat determined these projects would damage mangrove ecosystems and local flora and fauna.

In a separate enforcement action in Playa del Carmen, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) seized and closed the Macondo Playacar development. The project, which planned for 80 apartments, is under investigation for alleged environmental crimes, specifically the removal of mangroves and native vegetation without proper federal land-use authorizations or environmental impact assessments. A federal judge has issued a definitive suspension on construction activities at the site while legal proceedings continue.