Cozumel Pier Fight: Activists Wary Despite Federal Pushback

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Despite recent opposition from prominent political figures, activists opposing the construction of a fourth pier in Cozumel are refraining from celebration until local permits for the project are formally denied.

Rodrigo Huesca Alcántara, a leading activist against the project, stated that while federal officials have voiced opposition, the group remains cautious. Over the weekend, Deputy Renán Sánchez Tajonar and Oscar Rébora Aguilar, Secretary of Ecology and Environment for Quintana Roo, publicly opposed the pier for the first time. Rébora Aguilar, a diver himself, visited the Villa Blanca reef and warned of significant environmental damage if construction proceeds.

“I believe now is the time for everyone to stay alert. We’ll see how the federal government and the governor respond to these reactions. That will be decisive,” Huesca Alcántara said in an interview.

Later in the day, activists released a statement on social media welcoming political support—provided it is genuine.

Federal Permits vs. Local Opposition

The controversy has intensified as Muelles del Caribe, the company behind the project, insists it holds valid federal permits and cites court rulings in its favor. Meanwhile, activists submitted a formal request to Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez a week ago, urging him to deny local permits. Huesca Alcántara confirmed they have yet to receive a response.

A public forum was scheduled for the afternoon to further discuss the issue.

Environmental Concerns Take Center Stage

Rébora Aguilar, the state’s top environmental official, emphasized the irreversible harm the pier would cause to marine ecosystems. His stance marks a significant shift in the debate, as activists continue to pressure authorities to block the project permanently.

The situation remains unresolved as both sides await further governmental action.