“Real Estate Boom Threatens Sian Kaan Reserve – Urgent Alert!”

In Quintana Roo, real estate developments are increasingly prioritizing profits over the preservation of vital natural resources. Such resources, like mangroves, are crucial in the fight against climate change.

The property boom in Tulum, Quintana Roo, is already affecting its neighboring protected natural areas. These developments have led to increased noise and light pollution. A clear example of this is the Sian Kaan biosphere reserve. This reserve spans four municipalities and covers 652,000 hectares of jungle. The reserve is now on high alert due to the encroachment of these large-scale projects.

Sian Kaan is home to the most significant mangrove reservoir in the country. Since 1968, it has been the dwelling place of the Punta Allen fishing community, which forms the Cooperative Society of Lobster Fishermen. This community and its leader, Victor, have long feared the arrival of mega-developments, primarily due to an ongoing problem in the area.

Documents obtained through transparency laws reveal that between 2017 and 2024, 161 complaints were lodged for illegal clearing of mangroves and dunes in the reserve. Astoundingly, real estate websites are advertising land in Sian Kaan for over a million dollars, with the intent of constructing large residential complexes.

Moreover, the environmental authority's resources to manage the area are dwindling. In 2024, only 408,000 pesos were allocated for the reserve, averaging 1,017 pesos per day for park rangers to monitor the area. This lack of funding is leading to uncontrolled growth.

In conclusion, the real estate boom in Quintana Roo is posing a significant threat to the Sian Kaan reserve's reefs and mangroves. This development is negatively impacting the local community and the overall ecosystem.