Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Despite lacking federal environmental authorization, ecotourism operator WT Group International Wild Tours has begun site preparation on Cozumel’s southern coast for a major beach club development called Roots Beach Club.
The project is currently under review by the General Directorate of Environmental Impact and Risk (Dgira), a division of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). The company submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) on March 17, 2026, under file number 23QR2026T0015, but began clearing land before receiving a decision.
The development covers 3.01 hectares in the southern hotel zone, with plans to clear 1.77 hectares of medium semi-evergreen forest. The complex will include offices, pools, commercial areas, a bar, kids’ club, zip line, water attractions, cabins, and a motor lobby.
WT Group International Wild Tours, known locally for tram tours, cenote visits, and off-road excursions, is moving into large-scale beachfront infrastructure. The company estimates a six-year construction period and aims to secure a 90-year operating concession.
Local environmental groups have raised concerns about the immediate impact on the coastal ecosystem, even as the company’s technical proposal claims it will preserve the area’s scenic beauty using regional materials such as palm thatch and stone flooring.
Semarnat has not yet approved or rejected the environmental permit. Meanwhile, machinery and personnel are already working on the southwestern side of the island, bypassing the timelines set by current environmental law.
