Beach Erosion Crisis: Puerto Morelos in Peril

The Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (Sema) in Quintana Roo has requested an expansion of the comprehensive beach recovery plan. This plan, currently focused on the northern region of Quintana Roo, is proposed to include the coast of Puerto Morelos. This area is experiencing a significant loss, with seven meters of beach disappearing annually.

The expansion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which has been in effect since 2009, has been proposed. The EIS is a comprehensive recovery plan for the beaches of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and now potentially Puerto Morelos. The proposal has been submitted to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources.

The current EIS, renewed in 2019 and valid until 2029, originally only considered 12 kilometers of Cancún. The proposed expansion would cover additional areas experiencing significant beach loss. These areas include specific points within a six-kilometer range, particularly in Puerto Morelos, as well as parts of Cancún and Solidaridad.

The Secretary highlighted these plans during the Sustainability Forum held in Cancún. It was noted that they are still in the process of obtaining permits for the expansion. As such, the cost of the new comprehensive recovery has not yet been determined. It will be defined once the project has been agreed upon with the hotel sector and various government bodies.