“Cancun’s Sustainability Crisis: Nearing Capacity, No Solution in Sight!”

Cancun's sustainability crisis is becoming increasingly evident, especially when it comes to waste management. The city is on the brink of another crisis as the public landfill's emergency cell nears capacity, with no alternative area currently available. This issue is exacerbated by the city's lack of sufficient reserves to tackle it.

This is just one aspect of Cancun's "gigantism" problem, characterized by a lack of effective urban planning. Over the years, numerous development plans have been introduced and subsequently abandoned. There is a pressing need for a program that not only regulates hotel volumes but also addresses the needs of suburban areas. These areas require access to basic services such as clean water, sewage systems, and electricity.

The introduction of the 24-49 Plan is a positive step forward. However, its effectiveness will depend on the enforcement by local municipalities. This will prevent the revision of local development plans from becoming a free-for-all for real estate companies. Civil society's role should extend beyond self-protection against local communes, as seen in the recent Pok Ta Pok case in the Benito Juarez municipality.

Cancun still has the opportunity to shape its future through effective regulation and sustainable urban planning.