Mexico Designates 1.1 Million Square Meters on Cozumel as Protected Environmental Zone

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Mexican federal government has assigned more than 1.1 million square meters of federal maritime-terrestrial zone on Cozumel’s eastern coast to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), creating a protected area that restricts private construction and commercial use.

The agreement, formalized by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) under Secretary Alicia Bárcena, designates 28 polygons covering 1,112,476.05 square meters — roughly 0.22% of the island’s total area — exclusively for scientific research, environmental monitoring, and ecological education.

The measure does not transfer land ownership, meaning no expropriation occurs and current owners retain their property. However, activities that do not serve environmental or academic purposes will be restricted.

The document was drafted on March 27 and published on April 27, 2026. The designated area stretches from Punta Sur to Punta Molas on the island’s eastern side.

Authorized uses align with the protection of the Cozumel Reefs National Park and the island’s Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Activities must focus on scientific study, environmental surveillance, and ecological education.

The zone is classified as federal maritime-terrestrial property — a public good that is inalienable, imprescriptible, and not subject to seizure, reinforcing its public nature and preventing privatization.

Limited Use, No Commercial Activity

The agreement grants Conanp only usage rights, not ownership. The rights can be revoked if the area is used for other purposes, falls into disuse, or if conditions are violated.

Commercial activities, unauthorized construction, fencing, or any action that restricts free transit are prohibited.

Key Restrictions

• No construction or installations without prior authorization
• No fencing or restricting free movement in the area
• No permanent waste storage
• No wastewater discharges into the sea
• No alteration of the area’s morphology or natural conditions
• No for-profit activities
• No removal of natural vegetation or soil alteration

Semarnat may modify the area’s boundaries at any time and withdraw usage rights if the land is used for other purposes or is no longer needed. The agency is also responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental regulations.