Semarnat halts major tourism projects to protect Mexican mangroves

Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has issued several rulings regarding large-scale tourism developments in protected coastal areas. In the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Semarnat announced that the ‘Puerta al Mar’ project will not proceed. However, Maya communities and fishing groups in Punta Allen have expressed concerns, stating that the announcement lacks legal guarantees and fails to address existing environmental damage or restore ecological sites.

The ‘Puerta al Mar’ project, linked to the Maya Train, had already begun construction in August 2023. Local groups report significant damage, including the clearing of 6.34 hectares of jungle and impacts to 1,418 square meters of red mangrove. They also cite disruptions to biological corridors for jaguars, tapirs, and ocelots, as well as interference with groundwater and local fishing rights.

In a separate action, Semarnat blocked the construction of a 108-room hotel at the Punta Venado development because it violated the 100-meter protection buffer for mangroves. While the agency denied the hotel, pools, and certain beach access points, it granted partial authorization for 30 suites and 23 residences, provided the developer maintains 75% of the coastal dune surface in its natural state.