Mexico Blocks Puerto Morelos Resort Over Sea Turtle Threat

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico — Federal environmental authorities have rejected the proposed Nuevo Puerto Morelos tourist megaproject, citing significant risks to endangered sea turtle populations and other marine ecosystems. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), halts the development of a large-scale resort complex planned for the coastal region south of Cancún.

Project Details and Environmental Concerns

The $1.2 billion project, spearheaded by developer Grupo Inmobiliario GISA, aimed to construct a luxury tourism hub featuring hotels, residential units, marinas, and commercial spaces across 243 hectares (600 acres) of coastal land. However, SEMARNAT’s evaluation determined the development would disrupt critical nesting habitats for four protected sea turtle species: the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea).

The agency’s technical review highlighted irreversible damage to dunes, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which serve as vital breeding and feeding grounds for marine wildlife. Additionally, the project’s artificial lighting and increased human activity were deemed likely to disorient hatchlings, a key factor in the declining populations of these species.

Developer’s Response and Legal Recourse

In a statement, Grupo GISA expressed disappointment with the ruling, asserting that the project included mitigation measures such as turtle monitoring programs and low-impact lighting designs. "We believe our proposal balanced economic growth with environmental stewardship," the company said. Legal representatives confirmed they are evaluating an appeal.

Local conservation groups, however, celebrated the decision. Araceli Domínguez, president of the Centro Ecológico Akumal, praised SEMARNAT for prioritizing science over development pressures. "This sets a precedent for protecting Quintana Roo’s fragile ecosystems from unsustainable tourism expansion," she said.

Broader Implications for Coastal Development

The denial underscores growing tensions between Mexico’s tourism industry and environmental regulations, particularly in Quintana Roo, where rapid development has strained natural resources. SEMARNAT’s ruling aligns with recent efforts to enforce stricter oversight of coastal projects, including a 2022 moratorium on new marina constructions in the state.

The federal agency emphasized that future proposals must demonstrate "zero net loss" of critical habitats and adhere to international conservation standards, including those outlined in the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles.

Next Steps

With the permit denied, Grupo GISA may revise and resubmit its environmental impact assessment or pursue legal challenges. Meanwhile, SEMARNAT has urged state and municipal authorities to prioritize "alternative, low-impact tourism models" in the region.

The case has drawn attention from national and international environmental organizations, with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) calling it a "test of Mexico’s commitment to biodiversity protection amid climate change."