Cozumel’s New Dock Plan Sparks Environmental Debate

Cozumel, Mexico — A company is seeking permits to install 90 pilings and construct a new dock for small vessels in southeastern Cozumel, an area where environmentally impactful projects of this nature continue to advance.

The project, named Embarcadero Belem, is being proposed by a private individual on the island, Simon Bross Soriano. It is planned for a point within the fragile coastal ecosystem located in the southeastern part of the island territory.

The project will be situated in a zone with constant activity from private and tourist boats, driven by the availability of diving and snorkeling tours, as well as the presence of beach clubs frequented by visitors.

According to the consulted Environmental Impact Statement (Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental or MIA), vessel traffic at this location is notable, creating a need for adequate infrastructure to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of users, whether they are private individuals or tourists arriving at the beach.

Based on technical data, the structure will consist of a length of 82.3 meters with a uniform width of 4.00 meters. The construction will be supported by 90 pilings made of zapote wood or hardwood with similar characteristics. The walkways will be built using beams and planks of treated hardwood.

However, this is a project within a coastal ecosystem, and its permit has been requested for a site where, until a few weeks ago, the project for a Fourth Cruise Ship Pier was still active, a federal project that was ultimately canceled.

The project proponent estimates that there will be no negative impacts from the construction of Embarcadero Belem.

“Given that this criterion is related to extractive exploitation activities and the present project foresees the construction of a Rustic Embarcadero, where no activities involving the exploitation of species are planned, this is the reason why it is not related to it,” is stated in the MIA.

The proponent has not publicly disclosed the investment amount; however, they are seeking an operational permit for a term of 50 years.