Save Cancún’s Beaches from Private Takeover

Cancún, Mexico — The civil organization Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS) has submitted a formal request to the Benito Juárez City Council, demanding the recovery of three public beaches in Cancún: Tortugas, Las Perlas, and Langosta. Antonella Vázquez, a member of the NGO, explained that these beaches are currently classified as "tourist beach services" rather than public beaches in the 2018-2030 and 2022 Urban Development Programs (PDU), which could allow private companies to develop and restrict public access.

Legal and Environmental Concerns

Vázquez stated, "We only have three public beaches according to the PDU, but under the 2023 government decree for protected natural areas, the Delfines decree designates certain zones as conservation areas due to their biodiversity. These should have a conservation land use designation, not 'beach services,' which could lead to hotel developments that block public access. Conservation status prohibits construction."

She warned that maintaining the current land use classification could enable development in ecologically sensitive areas, including protected natural zones, mangroves, and cenotes, without proper technical, ecological, or legal considerations.

Call for Restoration of Public Access

The lawyer emphasized that sections of Las Perlas, Langosta, and Tortugas beaches could be reclaimed for public use if reclassified as public beach areas. The submitted document also calls for the recognition of Playa Delfines, Jacinto Pat, San Buenaventura, and environmentally significant areas such as the Pok Ta Pok golf course and the public walkway of Supermanzana 15-A as protected natural zones.

The NGO's efforts aim to safeguard public access to beaches and ensure the preservation of Cancún’s natural habitats.