Protected Area Projects Rejected to Save Habitat

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — All projects proposed within the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Flora and Fauna Protection Area have been rejected to safeguard the 53,200-hectare zone, according to Fernando Orozco, director of the protected area.

Federal Approval Required for Projects

Orozco emphasized that any project within the protected zone must first obtain technical approval from federal environmental agencies. To date, all submitted proposals have been denied.

“On September 23, 2024, the federal executive issued a presidential decree declaring this entire region a Flora and Fauna Protection Area, named Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It spans approximately 53,200 hectares across two polygons,” Orozco stated. “As a protected natural area, any project within its boundaries must comply with the decree and secure technical approval. So far, all opinions have been negative.”

Four Protected Areas in Playa del Carmen

Orozco noted that Playa del Carmen is home to four protected areas: three established by presidential decree and one by secretarial agreement. These include:

1. The Mexican Caribbean Reserve
2. The Othoch Flora and Fauna Protection Zone
3. The Felipe Carrillo Puerto Flora and Fauna Protection Area
4. The voluntarily designated Uxuxubi Maya Zone

Authorities are tasked with preserving these areas to maintain environmental integrity.