Environmental Group Urges Shutdown of Illegal Tulum Construction

Tulum, Mexico — The environmental advocacy group Defendiendo el Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano (DMAS) has called on Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) to inspect and shut down the allegedly illegal construction of the Neró Tulum condominium project. The development, led by Grupo Kalia, is accused of violating environmental laws by clearing mangrove forests without proper authorization.

Unauthorized Construction Despite Permit Denial

DMAS alleges that Grupo Kalia began construction on Neró Tulum in 2023, clearing vegetation—including protected mangroves—before securing the required environmental permits. Satellite imagery from Google Earth, shared by the group, shows the site undisturbed in 2021 but visibly altered by 2023, with a large white area indicating deforestation.

In February, the developer submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental) to Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), despite having already started construction. DMAS filed a formal complaint with Profepa in June, and Semarnat denied the permits in July. However, construction has continued.

Repeat Offender Allegations

Grupo Kalia is the same developer behind the controversial Maiim project, which a judge previously ordered to halt and demolish due to permit violations. DMAS emphasized the urgency of Profepa’s intervention, stating, “It is critical that Profepa imposes a shutdown, and that the Tulum municipal government also takes action.”

The Neró Tulum project plans to build 45 residences in the Tankah 4 area, near Bahía Solimán. DMAS has urged authorities to enforce environmental protections and halt further construction.

Related Environmental Concerns

This case follows other high-profile environmental violations in Quintana Roo, including unauthorized construction in Cozumel and the Maiim development. Profepa has previously clashed with developers over illegal land use in ecologically sensitive zones.