Cancún, Mexico – The beach recovery project in Quintana Roo is advancing toward a key stage after the State Government requested the expansion of the authorized polygon for rehabilitation works from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), according to Ecology and Environment Secretary Óscar Rébora.
Erosion Affects the Entire State’s Coastline
The official explained that coastal erosion is a phenomenon affecting practically the entire state’s coastline, primarily resulting from developments built decades ago on dunes and environmentally unregulated areas.
“We have erosive coasts because in the past construction occurred on dunes, without the knowledge or environmental regulations that exist today,” he stated.
Rébora indicated that studies on volumetrics, coastal dynamics, and bathymetry supporting the polygon expansion request have already been delivered to Semarnat, and they are currently responding to additional information requirements.
Cost Will Depend on Applied Techniques
He added that the project’s total cost will depend on the techniques ultimately applied. For reference, he mentioned that just the Playa del Carmen section could require an investment close to 800 million pesos, though this figure may vary depending on whether sand dredging, dune restoration, or other methodologies are chosen.
Working on Guidelines for Recovery Projects
The secretary advanced that the state is working, together with the Federation and the hotel sector, on creating general guidelines that will serve as a guiding axis for all beach recovery projects in Quintana Roo.
These guidelines will expedite future Environmental Impact Statements (MIA) – both public and private – especially now that the Federal Government is promoting the National Restoration Plan, which contemplates specific techniques for recovering coastal ecosystems.
Seeking to Build a Comprehensive Plan
For the development of studies and technical proposals, the state government is working with the GPP firm, headed by specialists David Zárate and Ricardo Gómez, who have previously collaborated with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas and various hotel complexes.
“The objective is to build a comprehensive guiding plan, based on coastal dynamics, volumetrics, bathymetry, and restoration techniques that go beyond simply placing sand,” detailed Rébora.
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