Cruise line Royal Caribbean has outlined environmental mitigation plans for its Beach Club project in Cozumel, amid local concerns over privatizing the area's last public beach. The company submitted an Environmental Impact Statement identifying severe damage to several ecosystems but promises a robust restoration plan. Residents and activists urge the government to deny approvals.
Royal Caribbean has addressed criticisms of its Beach Club project in Cozumel, stressing its commitment to environmental sustainability. According to the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) submitted by the company, the project polygon spans 17.1 hectares, but only 5.39 hectares will be developed, with 12.03 hectares remaining as free areas without construction.
The MIA assesses 15 elements, six of which will suffer severe damage in some phase. These include reductions in vegetal cover in subperennial medium jungle, impacts on mangroves, loss of native flora species, and shrinkage of wildlife habitats. The company assures there is a 'robust plan of mitigation, restoration, and conservation for each impact'.
However, Cozumel residents argue the project will privatize the area's last public beach, restricting community access. A Change.org petition notes: 'The barrier imposed by a private beach club would also negatively impact conservation efforts, limiting the participation of volunteers and environmental groups working to protect the area's flora and fauna'.
Environmental activist Rodrigo Huesca warned: 'This development is closer to the Cozumel Reefs National Park, potentially increasing its impact. It would end public coexistence and exacerbate reliance on public services, which would be at the disposal of the cruise lines'.
Cozumel, Mexico's top cruise destination, already has sufficient infrastructure according to locals. Previously, community opposition halted a fourth pier project on the island. Royal Caribbean clarifies it is not privatization but a federal concession: 'Obtaining a federal concession does not constitute privatization stricto sensu; clarifying this distinction would help contextualize public perception'.
The debate highlights tensions between tourism development and environmental preservation on the island.