Cancún Fights to Keep Playa Marlín Public Amid Sale Fears

Cancún, Mexico — Following statements by Benito Juárez Municipal President Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña denying any intention to sell Playa Marlín, a coalition of 26 environmentalists, organizations, and collectives has formed to block any potential commercialization of the popular beach. The groups are demanding transparency and safeguards to protect public access to the coastal area.

Controversy Over Playa Marlín’s Future

The dispute arose after reports suggested authorities were considering selling land at Playa Marlín, one of Cancún’s most frequented beaches. Peralta de la Peña swiftly denied the claims, calling them a smear campaign against her administration.

Environmentalists’ Six Demands

Prominent groups, including the Mexican Center for Environmental Law, Citizens for Transparency, and the Yucatán Peninsula Ecosystem Conservation Initiative, have issued a joint statement outlining six key demands:

1. Full transparency regarding any concession, loan, transfer, lease, or sale contracts, including complete publication of terms, deadlines, clauses, and review conditions.
2. Immediate termination of any existing concession or permit restricting full use of the land.
3. Suspension of all sale or transfer procedures involving the beach and public properties.
4. Development of the land adjacent to Playa Marlín as a safe, accessible, and dignified public space.
5. A broad, prior, free, and informed citizen consultation in accordance with the Escazú Agreement, an international treaty ensuring access to environmental information.
6. A publicly available and updated inventory of coastal properties in the municipality, guaranteeing unrestricted citizen access.

A Warning from the Past

The coalition referenced a 2005 incident in which five hectares near Playa Delfines were sold, leading to reduced public access. They emphasized that Cancún residents are unwilling to lose another beach and will remain vigilant against any attempts to privatize coastal land.

The groups have vowed to monitor the situation closely, ensuring Playa Marlín remains a public asset for future generations.