Possible Ecocide in Cozumel’s Kuzá Theme Park Construction

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The circulation of videos on social media showing alleged damage to mangroves, wetlands, and jungle in Cozumel’s southern zone has alarmed citizens and environmentalists, who are denouncing a possible ecocide associated with the construction of the Kuzá theme park. They consider that the work may have been carried out in an environmentally sensitive area with land use restrictions.

According to the material that began circulating publicly, heavy machinery can be observed in the area performing earthworks, vegetation removal, and subsurface drilling, which, according to complainants, may have affected mangroves, coastal wetlands, and the so-called bedrock, with possible impact on the water table.

Citizens pointed out that these actions would be taking place in an area classified as having low or no development density, which heightens concerns about the legality and scope of the work.

Residents like Magdalena Interian stated that the devastation of the site has altered the habitat of numerous species, in addition to modifying natural water bodies that functioned as regulation systems and wildlife refuges.

In the disseminated videos, the perimeter fencing of the property is also visible, which, according to reports, would have limited visibility of the activities carried out inside the land.

One of the most repeated allegations is the absence of timely intervention by environmental authorities, since, despite the magnitude of the works, there was no public knowledge of closures, suspensions, or sanctions during the initial development of the project.

“We never saw inspections or protests when the earthworks were being done; today what we see is the result,” expressed Interian.

Citizens have called on competent federal and state authorities to conduct a thorough inspection of the site, review the environmental permits granted, and determine if the works comply with current regulations.

Likewise, they requested that, if irregularities are confirmed, sanctions and environmental restoration measures be applied.