Unauthorized Playa-Tulum Road Closed for Environmental Harm

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has ordered the closure of an unauthorized rustic road connecting Playa del Carmen and Tulum after inspectors confirmed the removal of vegetation in a medium subperennial rainforest ecosystem. The operation followed citizen complaints about environmental damage in the area.

Illegal Construction in Protected Ecosystem

Inspectors found that the road construction involved the clearing of vegetation, including the protected chit palm (Thrinax radiata), a species listed under Mexico’s NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 regulation as requiring special protection. The responsible parties lacked the necessary environmental permits, violating federal environmental and forestry laws.

Legal Requirements for Land Use Changes

Under Mexican environmental law, the removal of vegetation in forested or natural ecosystems requires prior authorization for land-use changes, as stipulated in Article 117 of the General Law of Sustainable Forestry Development. Additionally, Article 28 of the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) mandates that any project with significant environmental impact must obtain an environmental impact assessment permit from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in sanctions, closures, and mandatory ecosystem restoration measures.

Ecological Significance of the Affected Area

The medium subperennial rainforest between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a critical habitat for species such as the jaguar, spider monkey, and numerous endemic birds. The unauthorized road construction risks fragmenting these habitats and threatening biodiversity.

Next Steps for Responsible Parties

Profepa has ordered those behind the project to immediately halt all work and submit the required environmental impact and land-use change permits. The agency will continue monitoring the area and has urged the public to report any unauthorized activities causing environmental harm.

The case underscores ongoing challenges in balancing development with conservation in Quintana Roo, a region experiencing rapid tourism-driven growth.