Tulum Housing Project Faces Environmental Review Over Threatened Species

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A new housing development proposed for Tulum is undergoing environmental review after studies identified threatened and endemic species on the property.

The “101 Park, Phase II and III” project would add 126 residential units to the existing Tulum 101 development, spread across two lots totaling 13,938.37 square meters. The complete development envisions 181 residential units across three phases, with Phase I already approved.

According to the environmental impact statement submitted to Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources Secretariat (Semarnat), the site contains species protected under Mexican environmental regulations. The threatened palm chit (Thrinax radiata) was documented, along with five endemic plant species including Cascabela gaumeri and Coccoloba cozumelensis.

The wildlife inventory recorded 34 vertebrate species, including reptiles like the spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) and Mexican parrot snake (Leptophis mexicanus), both classified as threatened. Protected bird species such as the black catbird and brown-hooded parrot were also observed.

Developers propose conservation measures including rescue and relocation programs for flora and fauna. The plan designates 1,145.34 square meters (14.17%) of Lot A-7 and 859.06 square meters (14.67%) of Lot A-5 as conservation areas to preserve native vegetation.

The project falls within the Cancún-Tulum Corridor’s ecological zoning plan, where the predominant land use is human settlement. Tulum’s urban development plan classifies the area as High-Density Tourist Residential, making the project compatible with local zoning regulations.

With an estimated investment exceeding 263 million pesos, construction is projected to take up to 60 months. The development would have an expected lifespan of 99 years.