Profepa halts illegal coastal developments in Mexico

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has ordered the temporary total closure of unauthorized construction projects in two Mexican coastal locations.

In Manzanillo, Colima, authorities halted works at La Boquita beach within the Juluapan Lagoon wetland ecosystem. Inspections revealed structures intended for tourism services, including a restaurant, kitchen, and restrooms, built on approximately 450 square meters without the required environmental impact authorization from Semarnat. The site contains white mangrove vegetation, a protected species under Mexican environmental regulations.

In Alvarado, Veracruz, Profepa issued a similar closure for the Mare Vera real estate development in Santa María Buenavista. The project involves the urbanization of over 13 hectares for residential lots and commercial facilities. Environmental groups have raised concerns regarding the potential destruction of coastal dunes and reported that construction activities continued despite the placement of closure seals. Official documents link the promoting company to members of the Vázquez Saut family.