Playa del Carmen Halts New Jungle Clearing in Playacar Development

A sealed construction site in Playacar with a closure notice from the municipal government

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Municipal authorities have shut down a residential development in the Playacar Phase 2 complex after residents reported unauthorized jungle clearing that displaced local wildlife.

The Secretariat of Sustainable Territorial and Urban Development of Playa del Carmen sealed the Macondo project on June 17 following a court-ordered suspension. The Second Collegiate Circuit Court of Quintana Roo had granted an injunction halting construction and requiring verification by environmental and urban development agencies.

The legal action was initiated by a resident of the condominium master plan, supported by lawyers from the civil association Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS).

During an inspection on June 17, officials found a closure seal already placed by the secretariat, along with a summons issued by the municipal government against the developer.

According to indirect amparo file 638/2026, a federal judge is expected to announce on Monday whether to grant a definitive suspension of the works, which would result in a complete halt until the entire environmental protection legal process concludes.

The Macondo development, covering approximately three hectares, is located at the southern end of the Playacar Phase 2 master plan. Although the land is privately owned, it contains significant green area reserves that influence the coastal ecosystem beyond its boundaries.

In May 2025, controversies arose over other developments within the same residential complex, primarily for lacking environmental impact permits. Those projects led to the deaths of white-tailed deer due to the absence of a wildlife management plan.

Discover more from Riviera Maya News

Sign up to receive a summary of the best news in your inbox, every week.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx