Semarnat to Review AMLO’s Dock Permit in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has accepted a request for review of the environmental permit granted for the Fourth Pier project in Cozumel, approved during the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The project, part of a post-pandemic economic reactivation plan, has faced sustained opposition from environmental groups and local businesses.

Controversial Project Under Scrutiny

The maritime infrastructure project, intended for cruise ship docking, received federal approval during the previous administration, including an environmental impact permit and a concession for the use of public domain assets. The project is promoted by Muelles del Caribe, a company owned by the Molina Casares family, known for its significant economic and political influence in the region.

Since its approval in 2021, the project has drawn strong opposition from the "No to the Fourth Pier" environmentalist coalition. Critics argue that construction would cause irreversible damage to the Villa Blanca reef, an omission they claim was not addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement.

Semarnat Admits Review Request

Following widespread protests—primarily against the project but also with some support from local unions like the CROC and CTM—Semarnat confirmed on Thursday that it had accepted the review request. The petition was filed by Cozumel residents and has been forwarded to higher authorities within the federal agency for resolution.

Rodrigo Huesca Alcántara, a spokesperson for "No to the Fourth Pier," told Proceso that the group rejects any relocation or conditional approval of the project, demanding instead a full revocation of the environmental permit.

Broader Opposition and Political Reactions

The project has also been criticized by the Cozumel Hotel Association, which contends that cruise tourism strains the island’s resources while providing minimal economic benefits. The association has raised concerns about the potential harm to the reef system west of the island.

Local politics have further complicated the issue. Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez has remained silent on recent developments, while opposition has grown among lawmakers, including members of the Green Party. Some critics accuse these politicians of opportunism, given their previous silence on the matter.

The project’s final hurdle is municipal approval, which has yet to be granted. Meanwhile, the debate over the Fourth Pier continues to escalate, with environmental, economic, and political stakes at the forefront.