Semarnat Stops Sian Ka’an Construction Over Eco Risks

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has halted the construction of the Casa Demangate project within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a protected natural area (ANP) in Tulum. The decision aims to prevent significant ecological damage to one of the region’s most sensitive and biodiverse zones.

Project Details and Environmental Risks

The project, which involved an investment of 2.5 million pesos, planned to occupy a 0.15-hectare (1,571-square-meter) area within the reserve. Despite its relatively small footprint, Semarnat emphasized the environmental risks posed by the construction, particularly due to the use of concrete and fossil fuels in a critical habitat for local flora and fauna.

According to the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) submitted by the developer, the project failed to adequately account for the delicate ecological balance of the Sian Ka’an Reserve. "Any development in such a sensitive area must comply with the reserve’s management plan and effectively mitigate environmental impacts," the agency stated in its report.

Location and Legal Recourse

The project was situated along the reserve’s eastern coastal strip, approximately 18 kilometers from Tulum and 27 kilometers from Punta Allen, within a core zone of the ANP where high-impact activities like housing construction are heavily restricted. This raised concerns among environmental organizations and local authorities about potential harm to the protected ecosystem.

The developer retains the right to challenge Semarnat’s decision legally through a nullification trial if they seek to overturn the ruling. However, the agency has made it clear that any development within a protected natural area must strictly adhere to environmental conservation principles to avoid irreversible damage to Sian Ka’an’s biodiversity.

Related Environmental Concerns

The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of development projects in ecologically sensitive regions, including recent reports of irreversible environmental damage caused by the Tren Maya and accusations against the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) for environmental violations.

Semarnat’s intervention underscores the ongoing tension between development and conservation efforts in Quintana Roo, where balancing economic growth with environmental protection remains a critical challenge.