Indigenous Land Rights at Risk in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Uncertainty over land ownership and the proliferation of alleged “land grabbers” illegally selling plots has put dozens of indigenous communities in this municipality at risk, according to Juan Humberto Novelo Zapata, the 13th councilman and president of the Commission for Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Affairs.

Legal Uncertainty and Land Disputes

Novelo Zapata stated that approximately 50 communities have requested official recognition as indigenous settlements, but many lack legal certainty regarding the land they occupy.

“The issue is land tenure—they don’t have it, yet these plots are still being sold. Some are national lands, others are private, and some have been occupied out of necessity because people need a place to live,” he explained.

To be recognized as an indigenous community, authorities require defined territorial boundaries, established customs, and legal certainty—conditions many groups cannot meet, Novelo Zapata added.

Federal Land and Rising Costs

The councilman warned that many plots are on federal land, requiring intervention from agencies like the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (SEDATU) for regularization. However, prices have surged, particularly in ecotourism zones, where a hectare can cost between 900,000 and one million pesos.

“When will families—who just want a piece of land—ever afford that?” he questioned.

Illegal Sales and Lack of Infrastructure

Compounding the issue, individuals who are not landowners are reportedly selling plots for 200,000 to 300,000 pesos, leaving buyers with legal liabilities and no basic services.

“Those responsible must be held accountable. The Penal Code includes penalties for selling land without providing basic services,” Novelo Zapata asserted.

Call for Government Action

Without regularization, the government cannot invest in infrastructure or services, stalling urban development. Novelo Zapata urged coordination among municipal, state, and federal authorities to identify available national lands and prevent further illegal occupations.

He also cautioned residents against fraudulent sales: “Anyone selling land must guarantee at least proper road access. We cannot allow exploitation of people’s needs.”