Quintana Roo authorities are progressing with plans for a major beach restoration project to tackle coastal erosion across the Riviera Maya, which poses risks to both tourism and the environment.
The initiative aims to restore about 33 kilometers of beaches across key tourist areas:
- 12 kilometers in Cancún
- 12 kilometers in Playa del Carmen
- 3 kilometers in Cozumel
- 6 kilometers in Puerto Morelos
This restoration is in response to the erosion caused by coastal development and extreme weather events. In Puerto Morelos, erosion has reached a critical state, with seawater impacting hotel structures, making traditional dune restoration unfeasible.
Instead of merely replenishing sand, this project will implement nature-based solutions, including dune reconstruction and coral reef restoration. Authorities are considering two approaches: using offshore sandbanks for rebuilding or reconstructing dunes affected by development.
Óscar Rébora Aguilera, State Minister of Ecology and Environment, emphasized the need for sustainable solutions, stating, “We can’t just continue replenishing the beach. We must propose nature-based solutions.”
State officials are in the process of finalizing an Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) to gain federal approval before the busy summer season. While existing approvals cover only Cancún’s beaches, the new MIA would extend the efforts throughout the Riviera Maya.
Additionally, the project plans to fortify coral reefs in targeted locations, addressing severe damage due to rising sea temperatures, with nearly 60% of the reef ecosystem currently deteriorated.
For tourists heading to the Riviera Maya, these restoration initiatives promise to significantly enhance beach conditions at these popular destinations, improving the tourism experience while safeguarding the region’s ecological health.
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