Activists Rally Against Privatization of Cozumel’s Last Public Beach

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Activists and community groups have called for a demonstration at Playa Mia tomorrow to oppose the privatization of this public beach, which is threatened by the proposed “Royal Beach Club Cozumel” project. The project is currently undergoing public consultation with Mexico’s Environment Ministry.

“Cozumel residents! Defend your beach. Come to Playa Mia tomorrow,” reads one Facebook post circulating online, urging people to sign a petition to “protect the last public beach in this region of Cozumel.” The message also encourages documenting beach life with photos and videos, tagging environmental organizations, and bringing official identification.

The calls to action follow the publication of a public consultation notice by the General Directorate of Environmental Impact and Risk for the project promoted by the company Desarrolladora Turística L. 18 de México S. de R.L. de C.V. The Regional Environmental Impact Statement will be available for review from February 23 to March 23, 2026.

According to the official notice, interested parties can submit observations or proposals for additional prevention or mitigation measures during that period. The file can be reviewed at the Environment Ministry’s office in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, or through the agency’s online portal using project code 23QR2025U0054.

On social media, protest organizers insist that “we can still save our beach” and emphasize that “every attendance counts” for the planned gathering at Playa Mia. The federal environmental authority continues to keep the formal public consultation process open in accordance with Mexico’s General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection.