Cozumel, Mexico — The petition platform Change.org reported it has gathered five thousand signatures against the mega-project for a beach club that the cruise line Royal Caribbean intends to build in Cozumel.
Under the title “No to the Royal Caribbean Mega Project in Cozumel—Stop Royal Beach Club!! Rescue Playa Mia!!”, Change.org outlines the reasons why this beach club should not be built. It also highlights that Cozumel is a natural paradise famous for its spectacular beaches and rich biodiversity.
“The construction of Royal Caribbean’s new beach club threatens to destroy the balance of this pristine island. This new facility will not only privatize the last public beach on the west side of Cozumel but will also severely affect local businesses, which are the soul of our community,” state the promoters opposing the project.
In this sense, the complainants add that Cozumel has long been a destination that welcomes tourists from around the world, who come to enjoy its beauty and local hospitality. Both local families and tourists enjoy the beach known as “Playa Mia.”
The arrival of a large corporation like Royal Caribbean, with its private beach club, will mean—the petitioners estimate—that Royal Caribbean will use Cozumel’s resources without contributing to the local economy.
“The profit from Royal Caribbean’s visitors stays in the hands of this company, and it also privatizes our beautiful beach, pollutes our island, and causes serious consequences for the environment,” they add.
The Justification
The publication on Change.org further states that, according to studies conducted in other locations where similar phenomena have occurred, a decrease of up to 40% in the earnings of small local businesses has been observed, leading many to close their doors.
According to the complainants, this not only affects business owners but also their employees and the local economy in general, increasing unemployment and reducing the quality of life in the region.
In their view, the privatization of the last public beach could mean that Cozumel residents may soon be prevented from enjoying their own natural resources.
The petitioners consider that the importance of keeping these areas accessible cannot be underestimated, as they are fundamental to the emotional and social well-being of the community, as well as for environmental conservation.
In addition, the promoters against this project emphasize that the barrier imposed by a private beach club would also negatively impact conservation efforts by limiting the participation of volunteers and environmental groups working to protect the area’s flora and fauna.
For this reason, they believe the government should not allow this type of project, and they called on local authorities and the government of Quintana Roo to listen to the people’s demand and take a clear stance against the construction of this beach club.
“Cozumel already has sufficient infrastructure to receive tourists while preserving its natural charms and supporting its community. Sign this petition and together let’s fight to protect public access to Cozumel’s beaches. Let’s not allow the interest of a few to prevail over the common good and the natural beauty we all share,” they conclude.
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