Cozumel Says No to New Cruise Pier, Protects Reefs

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — For years, the island of Cozumel has been a symbol of the Mexican Caribbean, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and a living culture that coexists with thousands of annual visitors. However, behind the tourist appeal, a new threat loomed over the ecosystem: a proposal to construct a fourth cruise ship pier.

The project, far from exciting locals, raised social and environmental concerns. The debate centered on one question: development or destruction? The unease grew into a citizen-led movement, with environmental organizations, residents, business owners, and young people voicing opposition.

A Clear Rejection

In the absence of clear institutional mechanisms, local deputy Renán Sánchez Tajonar called for a digital consultation to gauge public opinion directly. The results were decisive: 60% rejected the fourth pier, only 18% supported it, and 22% remained neutral. The figures did not just reflect opinions—they delivered a resounding “no” to the project.

In response to the consultation, Sánchez Tajonar, a Quintana Roo deputy and coordinator of the Green Party in the state, took a firm stance: “This is a decision that ignores the people and disregards the environment,” he stated.

The legislator warned that the fourth pier not only threatens the reefs but also represents an imposition without public dialogue, raising suspicions of benefiting economic interests at the expense of Cozumel’s well-being. “The reef is life and a heritage of the people,” Sánchez Tajonar asserted.

For him and other opponents, the ecological damage would be irreversible: marine species at risk, environmental balance disrupted, and a direct blow to the island’s natural identity. He also criticized the lack of independent scientific studies and the absence of a transparent public consultation.

Cozumel Chooses to Protect Its Future

The rejection of the fourth pier goes beyond an environmental stance—it is an act of collective defense. It sends a clear message that the community wants to decide its own future and that economic growth cannot come at the cost of nature’s destruction.

Cozumel’s resistance has become an example of democratic participation. As Sánchez Tajonar concluded: “Protecting our reefs means protecting Cozumel’s present and future, in line with the values of transformation.”