Semarnat denies environmental permits for Secrets Moxché project

Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has denied environmental authorization for a coastal protection and restoration project at the Secrets Moxché hotel in Playa del Carmen. The decision follows findings that certain works, including the installation of three 75-meter breakwaters, were already constructed before the federal evaluation process was completed.

The project, promoted by Fideicomiso Moxché I 2346/2016, aimed to address coastal erosion and restore nearly 300 meters of beach. The proposal included dredging approximately 29,000 cubic meters of sand from the Mox 1 marine bank and installing artificial reef habitats within the Caribbean Mexican Biosphere Reserve.

Semarnat’s resolution noted that the existing conditions on-site, resulting from unauthorized prior construction, must be considered. The authority also indicated that any future interventions in the northern Quintana Roo reef litoral would require a compliance analysis with the protected area’s management program.