Puerto Morelos Beach Restoration Project to Combat Coastal Erosion

Puerto Morelos is slated to receive either 6 or 7 kilometers of beach restoration, depending on the most current project specifications, as part of a larger 33.5-kilometer project across Quintana Roo.

 

State officials say our town shows the most severe coastal erosion among the four municipalities included in the plan.

 

The Restoration Plan

 

The Quintana Roo government is advancing this ambitious project that includes Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

 

According to Óscar Rébora, the state's Minister of Ecology and Environment, the plan is currently awaiting environmental authorization from SEMARNAT, which is expected in early 2026.

 

Puerto Morelos beaches have been identified as the most damaged in the state. Years of development without proper environmental regulations have contributed to our eroding coastline, threatening both public spaces and tourism areas.

 

Environmental Concerns

 

Environmental organizations, including the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), have raised significant concerns about the project. They argue that the 2009 authorization being used as a basis for this expanded restoration is outdated and insufficient.

 

The environmental landscape has changed dramatically since 2009. Sea levels have risen, storms have intensified, and sargassum has become a significant issue in recent years.

 

Our nearby Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, which didn't exist when the original authorization was granted, could be affected by the restoration activities.

 

Impact on Puerto Morelos

 

For Puerto Morelos residents and businesses, this restoration could be crucial for preserving our tourism economy.

 

Many local hotels have attempted individual beach restoration projects, which state officials say has actually worsened erosion in neighboring areas.

 

The restoration would help protect our coastal infrastructure and preserve the beaches that attract visitors to our town.

 

However, the work must be done carefully to avoid harming our fragile reef system, which is part of the Mesoamerican Reef and has already suffered significant damage.

 

What's Next

 

State officials are developing mandatory coastal restoration guidelines that would apply to the entire shoreline. These guidelines are being created with input from hoteliers, business councils, and coastal specialists.

 

While no specific timeline has been announced for the Puerto Morelos portion of the project, the state government expects to receive federal approval in the first quarter of 2026.

 

The total cost remains uncertain, though for comparison, the Playa del Carmen segment alone could require around 800 million pesos (approximately $44.9 million USD).

 

For Puerto Morelos, this project represents both an opportunity to restore our deteriorating beaches and a challenge to ensure the work is done with proper environmental safeguards to protect our precious marine ecosystem.