Cozumel Fights Fourth Cruise Dock as Sheinbaum Denies Approval

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Residents of Cozumel have voiced strong opposition to a proposed fourth cruise ship dock on the island, citing environmental concerns and a lack of tangible benefits for the local community. The controversy reached the national stage during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference, where she clarified that no formal authorization has been granted for the project.

Environmental and Community Concerns Drive Protests

Amid growing backlash on social media, Cozumel residents have raised alarms over the potential ecological damage the dock could cause, particularly to the Villablanca Reef, one of the most significant diving ecosystems in the Mexican Caribbean. The reef is part of the protected marine area within the Cozumel Reefs National Park. Activists, local divers, fishermen, and organized citizens also warn that the project threatens "La Marina Fonatur," the last remaining public beach access in the area.

One social media user criticized the cruise industry, stating, "Cruise passengers don’t contribute to the local economy—they eat on the ship, shop at transnational stores, and we still lack basic services."

Sheinbaum: No Approval Without Environmental Review

When questioned about the protests, President Sheinbaum responded succinctly: "It’s a project, but every project must undergo an environmental impact assessment. There is no formal authorization yet." She emphasized that any such initiative must comply with legal requirements, including an Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) and public consultations with local communities, as mandated by Mexico’s General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection.

The proposed dock, promoted by previous administrations as a means to increase cruise ship arrivals, has faced persistent opposition due to its environmental risks. In 2021, a similar project was halted by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) after its MIA was deemed inadequate, failing to address long-term marine biodiversity and socioeconomic impacts.

Local and Federal Reactions

The Cozumel municipal government has remained silent on the renewed protests, while federal opposition lawmakers have urged the federal government to halt any revival of the project without thorough prior discussion.

Mexico is the world’s leading cruise ship destination, with over 8 million passengers annually before the pandemic. Cozumel handles more than 40% of this traffic. However, studies by organizations like the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (Cemda) warn that unregulated mass tourism carries significant ecological costs.

The future of the project remains uncertain as the federal government has yet to confirm whether it will proceed with a formal review.