Royal Caribbean’s Cozumel Project Faces Severe Environmental Damage

Cozumel, Mexico — The Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) has recognized severe environmental damage that would be caused by Royal Caribbean’s megaproject in Cozumel, according to the company’s own environmental impact assessment.

Royal Caribbean, one of the world’s largest cruise companies, submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) to SEMARNAT for the construction of “Royal Beach Club Cozumel,” identified as Perfect Day, a 17-hectare project that aims to receive 1.4 million annual visitors.

Although the company promises environmental mitigation measures, such as relocation of flora and fauna, the MIA acknowledges severe damage to mangroves and native species.

Environmental Impact Assessment Details

The MIA, consisting of 642 pages, details the environmental impact and mitigation measures planned for the 17-hectare project—equivalent to 2.7 times the surface area of Estadio Azteca—located in Quintana Roo. The assessment anticipates impacts on native flora in Cozumel and damage to eight species, among other effects during the preparation, construction, and operation phases.

Of the 15 elements evaluated in the MIA, six presented severe damage in some phase of the project. The severe environmental damages, classified as such in Royal Caribbean’s analysis, are related to:

• Decrease in vegetation cover
• Impact on mangrove individuals
• Loss of flora species
• Reduction of wildlife occupation areas

The clearing of flora is calculated at 1.7 hectares. According to the MIA, a severe impact causes alterations that require mitigation or compensation measures to avoid affecting the ecosystem’s functioning or structure.

Moderate and Compatible Impacts

Seven elements will have “moderate” environmental impacts, affecting ecosystem components without putting their functioning at risk:

• Soil quality and infiltration
• Groundwater quality
• Landscape
• Loss of native fauna

In contrast, only the modification of air quality and acoustic comfort are considered compatible impacts, as their alterations will be of very low impact.

Mitigation Measures and Local Opposition

According to the MIA, the mitigation program consists of conserving wild flora populations, preserving biological material. The company highlights that 85 percent of the cleared flora will remain alive in the restoration program. Meanwhile, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 fauna specimens will be relocated, deterred, and reinstalled without damage.

The MIA states: “Once captured, the individuals will be transported to the relocation area, where it will be verified that environmental conditions are similar to those of the capture area. Considering the characteristics of Cozumel Island, the intention is to relocate individuals to areas not too far from the project area that have conditions to allow the survival of the individuals.”

Local residents and activists denounce that the project will privatize the last public beach in the area and could affect the Cozumel Reefs National Park, while demanding that the government deny the authorizations.

According to Cozumel residents, the project will privatize the last public beach in the area, prompting calls for the government to deny authorizations for the project to proceed.

Project Details and Company Statement

The cruise line’s plan consists of creating a beach club in Cozumel, adjacent to areas known as Playa Sol and Playa Mía, two previously impacted locations. The project, authorized for a 25-year operational “life,” aims to generate 180 jobs during construction and at least 2,000 during the operation phase.

Royal Caribbean told El Financiero: “The Royal Beach Club will be developed on a site with existing infrastructure and will add new spaces within the authorized area, improving the guest experience without generating additional pressure on local resources. We remain committed to ensuring beach access in accordance with Mexican legislation.”

Cozumel is the main cruise destination in Mexico; however, island residents consider that there is sufficient tourist infrastructure to serve travelers.