25+ Illegal Builds Found in Quintana Roo Reserves

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) has reported that over the last two years, more than 25 complaints have been filed regarding irregular constructions within Natural Protected Areas (ANP) in Riviera Maya and Holbox. The cases are currently under review by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the State Attorney General's Office, as the projects were built without complying with environmental regulations.

"There are many Environmental Impact Statements that are being reviewed; the vast majority have been denied because they do not meet the requirements for protection and sustainable use," explained Juan Carlos Romero Gil, Conanp's Regional Director for the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean Sea.

Actions for Ecological Compensation and Coordination with Authorities

Conanp is working on ecological compensation measures, such as dune restoration, reforestation, and the recovery of seagrass beds, to mitigate the damage caused by disorderly development. Furthermore, coordination with the Quintana Roo state government has enabled the identification of more irregularities linked to real estate expansion permits and parallel construction works.

Impact of Fires and Real Estate Pressures in Holbox

Romero Gil also addressed the forest fire on Holbox, which consumed 670 hectares out of season in the Punta Mosquito-La Ensenada area, within the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Although the official cause was natural, environmentalists warn that the fire could be related to real estate pressures on Isla Grande.

The fire caused fragmentation of the ecosystem, displacement of wildlife, and the loss of mangroves essential for coastal protection and erosion control. An environmental insurance policy is currently being applied to finance the restoration and recovery of the area.

Impunity and Sanctions Established by Law

Environmental organizations, including Cemda, GEMA, Grupo Tortuguero del Caribe, Amigos de Sian Ka'an, Centinelas del Agua, and Casa Wayuu, point out that real estate growth in protected areas is a recurring pattern that advances with impunity.

The General Law of Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) establishes sanctions ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 days of the current minimum wage, partial or total closure of works, and additional fines for delays in complying with corrections. Criminal penalties for damage to wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, or lagoons are also contemplated, with prison sentences of two to ten years and fines of 300 to 3,000 days of the minimum wage.

In Quintana Roo, developments in mangrove areas could face multi-million dollar fines, in addition to closure, removal of structures, and mandatory environmental rehabilitation.