Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Environmental organizations and residents have launched a campaign to defend the Punta Venado-Paamul biological corridor after learning of a real estate project that plans to build a condo-hotel with bungalows on nearly 20 hectares of mangrove fronting the sea.
According to members of the citizen movement, the alert came from frequent visitors to Punta Venado who, upon learning of the tourism development plans, notified local environmental groups to begin protective, informational, and awareness-raising actions about the site’s ecological importance.
Activists noted that Punta Venado represents one of the last fragments of undeveloped coastal forest in Playa del Carmen, as it remains free of hotels, resorts, and large tourist complexes. This condition allows the area to function as a critical biological corridor for various wildlife species and is considered an important sea turtle nesting site in the region.
Legal Challenge Underway
As part of their efforts, environmental groups said they are preparing a legal strategy to challenge the project, arguing that the land slated for development contains mangrove ecosystems. They reminded that such ecosystems are protected under Mexican environmental law due to their importance for biodiversity, coastal protection, and ecological balance.
In addition to legal action, the organizations are running a public awareness campaign so that residents understand the natural value of Punta Venado-Paamul and participate in conservation efforts.
Call to Protect the Natural Area
The groups called on residents and visitors of Playa del Carmen to inform themselves and join activities to protect the biological corridor, which they consider one of the last coastal natural spaces in the municipality. Those interested in updates, activities, and ways to participate can follow the citizen movement on social media at @puntavenado.keej.
