Residents Launch Petition to Protect Puerto Morelos Jungle and Water Supply

A local civil group is collecting signatures across town, and the reasons behind the effort touch on something every Puerto Morelos resident deals with every day: clean water, green space, and what this place looks like in 10 years.

What Toma las Aguas Is Asking For

The civil organization Toma las Aguas has launched a petition drive backing a "Citizen Statement for Sustainable Development, Protection of Natural Heritage and Environmental Justice in Puerto Morelos."

The statement calls for a full review of the municipality's Urban Development Program, known as the PDU, along with stronger protections for wetlands, cenotes, jungle areas, and water recharge zones.

The group is not asking to stop all construction. Its position is that growth should only happen when there is enough water and sanitation infrastructure to support it.

Toma las Aguas also wants more transparency in land-use decisions and permanent ways for residents to have a real voice in those choices.

Why the Water Issue Is So Serious

Puerto Morelos sits within a hydrological system that activists say has importance beyond the municipality itself. Puerto Morelos sits on an aquifer system that activists say is vital to the water balance of northern Quintana Roo, including Cancún, Solidaridad, and Isla Mujeres.

The municipality lies on a karst aquifer system, where porous limestone, cenotes, and fractures can allow contaminants to spread quickly.

A 2019 study cited by activists reported a high level of stomach illnesses in the municipality and raised concerns about water quality and chlorination. Activists argue that existing wastewater infrastructure in the municipality is not sufficient for current demand.

Fires and Forest Loss

The petition also calls for investigations into recent fires and forest loss. This concern is not new. Puerto Morelos has faced repeated forest fires, with activists citing significant burned area in recent years.

In late August 2026, smoke reports prompted drone surveillance by Civil Protection, the Citizen Security Secretariat, and firefighters across areas including Bahía Petempich, Crococun, and the Ruta de los Cenotes.

Authorities said no active fires were confirmed at that time. Municipal officials have long noted that the main causes of forest fires here are deforestation for urban development, intentional burning, and human negligence.

Illegal Development Already Being Shut Down

The pressure on the jungle is visible along the Ruta de los Cenotes. Municipal authorities have shut down several irregular real estate projects along the Ruta de los Cenotes for lacking proper permits.

Some projects appear to exceed the density limits established by the new PDU.

Where to Sign

The petition is being promoted at multiple collection points around town, including Residencial El Faro, Residencial Alborada, Cerveza Manglares, Tlacoyo Azul, Bodega Verde, Alma Libre, El Pirata, OM Delfín, and Laylas.

Most locations collect signatures Thursday through Sunday, while Laylas is available on Fridays.

The petition focuses on urban planning, water and sanitation, environmental protection, fire prevention, and stronger citizen participation.