Environmental Group Files Complaint Over Alleged Ecocide at Puerto Aventuras Resort

Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo — An environmental group has filed a formal complaint with federal authorities over what it calls ecocide at the exclusive Puerto Aventuras resort complex, alleging illegal destruction of an endangered palm forest and blockage of a federal waterway to make way for new construction.

The Grupo Ecologista del Mayab (GEMA) announced it filed a citizen complaint with the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) after residents provided photographic and video evidence showing heavy machinery blocking a coastal inlet with rocks and clearing surrounding vegetation. The group says the work destroyed a forest of chit palm (Thrinax radiata), an endangered species protected under Mexican law.

“In no circumstance could these works have obtained legal permits unless there was irregular authorization,” said Aracely Domínguez, president of GEMA, in an interview with national newspaper El Universal. “Coastal inlets are natural sea entrances that form part of the federal maritime-terrestrial zone and cannot be appropriated or closed by private individuals.”

According to the organization, the conflict began after a property within the resort was sold to a private individual, who is now suspected of being responsible for the environmental damage. Domínguez emphasized that the chit palm forest is critical habitat and that closing the inlet contradicts the original concept of Puerto Aventuras as a marina and inlet development.

The destruction of protected vegetation and blockage of sea access represents significant environmental regression in this tourist corridor between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the group said.

GEMA demanded that Profepa intervene immediately to stop the construction and apply appropriate sanctions against those responsible. Since the case involves an endangered species and manipulation of federal property, legal implications could include criminal charges. The organization warned that impunity in such private developments sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of Quintana Roo’s coastline and urged federal authorities to guarantee protection of natural heritage and strict compliance with environmental regulations.