“Exclusive Peek: Cozumel’s New Environmental Project Stirs Controversy!”

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) initiated a public consultation on August 26 to obtain the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA-R) for the "Cabo Mantarraya" project in Cozumel. The project, spearheaded by Total Gusto del Caribe S de R.L. de C.V., is a proposed development in the marine area, maritime beach, and Zofemat along Rafael E. Melgar Ave.

The Cabo Mantarraya project involves the construction of a platform designed to enhance public accessibility and expand the recreational beach club and commercial spaces along the coast. The aim is to promote sustainable tourism that respects the natural environment. The construction will span a marine front of 296.57 meters and cover an area of 6,752 square meters on a platform built over steel and wood piles, along with a deck of 1,745 square meters.

However, concerns have been raised about potential ecological damage, as this is the only area in the center where beachgoers can access the beach. The project's design will cater to tourists arriving on short visits or day trips from cruises. Visitors will be transported from the docks and urban areas of Cozumel via taxis and vans.

Commercial activities will be available for tourists visiting the beach club, offering services and goods such as water, sunscreen, souvenirs, food, and drinks. The specific type of commerce will be determined once the spaces can be commercialized, with a focus on selling traditional products that appeal to tourists.

The project's development is expected to generate around 50 jobs in various fields, including bricklaying, official positions, day laborers, carpenters, plumbers, and machinery operators. Each category will generate approximately 1,200 days of work. Additional positions will be created later for management, administration, and promotion of the tourist services offered at the beach club, providing further employment opportunities for the local Cozumel community.