Cozumel could potentially lose a significant portion of its annual income due to a proposed Natural Protected Area (ANP) in the Calica region. Mayor Juanita Alonso Marrufo has reported that the estimated loss could exceed 600,000 pesos annually, significantly impacting the city's budget.

The proposal comes from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has launched a lawsuit against the Vulcan Materials company. The company is accused of causing environmental damage and overexploiting quarry materials in the Cozumel and Solidaridad areas. This lawsuit has led to the suspension of operations by Sac-Tun, previously known as Calica, in Quintana Roo.

The President's plan aims to convert the land use of the Calica region, which is split between the municipalities of Cozumel and Solidaridad, into a Natural Protected Area. However, it remains unclear whether the state or federal government will take responsibility for its care. Mayor Marrufo has clarified that this situation will not impact her current administration, as the company has already paid its taxes through 2024. This is in stark contrast to the situation in the municipality of Solidaridad.

The Calica region, which spans 421.92 hectares and houses a vital dock for maritime cargo movement to and from Cozumel, faces an uncertain future. Mayor Marrufo has stressed that the dock must remain operational even if the area becomes a Natural Protected Area, as there is no other similar infrastructure on the island. However, it is still to be determined whether the City Council will be responsible for maintaining the infrastructure and roads, currently in poor condition, after the area's conversion to a Natural Protected Area.