Federal Judge Halts Playa del Carmen Project Over Missing Public Consultation

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A federal court has ordered the suspension of the “San Mex” project in Playa del Carmen, ruling that the state environmental authority failed to hold a mandatory public consultation before approving the development.

The project, which includes a maintenance center and a wastewater treatment plant, was authorized by the state Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA). However, the First Collegiate Tribunal found that SEMA violated citizens’ rights to participate and be informed about projects with potential environmental impact.

The court instructed SEMA to annul its environmental impact assessment resolution, open a public consultation process, and issue a new decision after considering public input.

The Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), which represented the community, welcomed the ruling. Gustavo Alanís Ortega, CEMDA’s director, said: “Public consultation is not a formality that can be done afterward. It must be carried out before authorizing any project that could affect the environment.”

The ruling sets a precedent in Quintana Roo, requiring authorities to ensure genuine citizen participation in environmentally significant projects. The court also warned state officials that failure to comply could result in fines, sanctions, or removal from office.