Yucatán, Mexico Faces Large-Scale Real Estate Expansion

Developers have submitted a request to Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) for an environmental impact authorization to build the "Coco y Mar" residential project in the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve near Tulum. The 20‑million‑peso development would cover about four hectares, use minimal land disturbance (1.8% of the site), and feature elevated structures on pilings to allow wildlife passage. The plan includes a long‑term 83‑year timeline and autonomous green infrastructure, and is currently under review by Semarnat's environmental impact division.

Separate investigations reveal that, over the past decade in Yucatán, more than 11,000 hectares of native vegetation were cleared for 1,269 authorized real‑estate projects, creating over 50,000 new homes and spurring rapid population growth in Mérida and surrounding municipalities. Critics warn the rapid urban expansion has caused unprecedented environmental degradation across the state.