Developers Destroy Playa del Carmen Caves, Spark Outrage

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — On the occasion of International Environment Day, environmental collectives and associations issued a firm appeal to authorities, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, and all parties involved in construction projects: respect environmental laws and act responsibly.

The citizen-scientific collective "Cenotes Urbanos" of Playa del Carmen raised the alarm over the clearing of jungle on a 26-hectare plot where the fourth phase of the "Marsella" residential development is underway. The project, which includes over 1,000 homes, is located in an area with a high density of caves and cenotes.

Ecological Concerns and Alleged Misrepresentation

A team of speleologists from the collective explored four caverns within the zone, some of which contain archaeological remnants such as potential foundations and endemic fauna exclusive to these cenotes and caves. The group warns that the construction jeopardizes the fragile ecosystem.

According to the organization, the Environmental Impact Assessment (MIA) submitted by the real estate developer downplays the ecological significance of the site. The document reportedly identified only one coati, four reptile species, fewer than 15 birds, and just six caves. However, independent monitoring by the citizen science speleological project revealed a far more complex reality: over 54 bird species, 10 mammal species, and cave-adapted fauna, including the Yucatan blind eel (Ophisternon infernale), an endemic and poorly documented species.

The collective also documented 262 species in total, along with 17 caves—some containing archaeological and paleontological evidence—several of which are protected under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.

Visible Destruction and Demands for Action

In a statement, the group denounced the visible destruction of jungle without reforestation efforts, as well as the obstruction of a cave with large stones. They issued the following demands:

• An immediate halt to land clearing in the area.
• A corrected MIA with proper flora and fauna monitoring.
• A comprehensive conservation plan for the caves, cenotes, and caverns on the property.

"We are facing an unprecedented climate crisis. Every project, every construction, every decision matters," the collective stated. "Urban development and infrastructure must integrate and respect nature, protecting ecosystems and prioritizing sustainability. Corruption and the mentality of 'it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission' must end. We can no longer tolerate construction that tramples life, circumvents environmental regulations, or ignores scientific warnings."

The group emphasized the urgency of addressing these violations to safeguard the region’s ecological integrity.