Semarnat Approves Club 8 Beach Club in Puerto Morelos With Strict Environmental Conditions

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources Department (Semarnat) has granted conditional approval to Club 8, a beach club project on the Caribbean coast here, attaching a set of requirements aimed at protecting sea turtles, coral formations and coastal dune ecosystems.

The federal agency’s ruling allows the developers to occupy 761 square meters of land and orders that 80% of the site remain free of permanent construction. The authorization covers a 30-year operating period and requires 108 square meters of coastal dune to be reforested.

Semarnat said the works must not affect the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, a protected marine area that runs along the coast in front of the town.

What the Authorization Covers

• Project footprint: 761 square meters
• Land kept free of permanent construction: 80%
• Coastal dune reforestation: 108 square meters
• Operating period: 30 years

Facilities Planned at the Site

The project calls for a semi-permanent structure built from regional wood with a thatch roof and supported on pilings. It also includes a palapa bar, a kitchen area and restrooms, along with tables, chairs, umbrellas and lounge chairs that will be installed temporarily.

By keeping 80% of the surface free of permanent buildings, Semarnat aims to preserve soil permeability and allow local wildlife to move through the area.

Environmental Conditions

The central restriction protects sea turtles: the club is barred from directing lights toward the sea at night, because artificial illumination can disrupt the animals’ reproduction. Operators must also remove all movable furniture every day to keep the coastline clear and avoid obstacles for wildlife.

As mitigation, the developers will replant 108 square meters with coastal dune vegetation and apply a comprehensive solid waste management system at every stage of the project.

Before any construction begins, the promoters must hold current municipal approvals for basic services.