Semarnat Blocks Playa 35 Project Over Turtle Nesting Risks

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has denied environmental impact authorization for the "Playa 35" development project in Playa Paraíso, citing risks to local wildlife, particularly endangered sea turtles that nest in the area. The decision follows a prior shutdown order issued by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) on May 7 after irregularities were detected in the project's execution.

Project Details and Violations

The project, spearheaded by the commercial entity DK del Caribe, proposed the construction of a two-story beachfront house adjacent to the Vidanta tourist development, approximately 15 kilometers north of Playa del Carmen. The planned construction area spanned 1,200 square meters within a sensitive coastal ecosystem.

Local residents of Playa Paraíso raised objections over potential environmental damage, as construction began without the required permits. Semarnat formalized its rejection in Resolution 0158/2024 on November 11, 2024, referencing Profepa’s enforcement action and the project’s ecological risks.

Precedent for Environmental Protection

This marks the latest in a series of federal rejections for coastal developments in the region. Earlier this year, Semarnat also denied permits for the urbanization of "El Gallero de Veracruz," a site between the Vidanta and Iberostar hotels, due to noncompliance with environmental standards.

DK del Caribe retains the right to appeal the decision through legal channels.

Related Environmental Enforcement

The ruling underscores ongoing tensions between development interests and conservation efforts in Quintana Roo’s ecologically fragile zones. Similar projects have faced scrutiny amid growing public and regulatory pressure to prioritize environmental safeguards.