Mexico revokes coastal development permit at Playa Las Cocinas

Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) cancelled the federal maritime‑terrestrial concession granted to Cantiles de Mita for the luxury Montage project at Playa Las Cocinas, Punta de Mita, Nayarit. A technical, legal and administrative review found the company carried out unauthorized works and installations that violated the concession terms and harmed the coastal ecosystem, which includes nesting habitats for laúd, golfina and carey sea turtles.

The revocation was coordinated with the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the Attorney General's Office (FGR) and specialists from Semarnat’s coastal units. Semarnat also incorporated input from local residents and authorities, and announced a new restoration plan that will use nature‑based solutions to control erosion, rehabilitate vegetation and guarantee free public access to the beach. The decision halts the planned construction of more than 60 luxury homes, a 145‑room hotel, spas and restaurants, and follows months of community protests that saw arrests and accusations of police repression.

Semarnat emphasized that protecting coastal ecosystems, ensuring environmental justice and preserving public beach access are government priorities and pledged continued monitoring and enforcement.