Real estate expansion continues on the Yucatan coast; construction of a tourist complex is planned that would border six areas of ecological importance.
In Chuburná Puerto, municipality of Progreso, in an area that is adjacent to the Protected Natural Area (ANP) the “State Reserve of Swamps and Mangroves of the North Coast of Yucatan” and to five other areas of ecological conservation importance, it is planned to build 14 towers for a total of 138 condos, which would be called the “Las Dunas” Tourist Complex.
Through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) marked with the code 31YU2024TD116 that was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) it is described that the project would have a legal surface of 92 thousand square meters.
The project describes that the complex will be distributed in two sections called “Dunas uno” and “Dunas dos”. In one, it is intended to build eight towers, with nine apartments distributed in five levels for a total of 72 apartments. In the central area of the section, two swimming pools, a food court area with concrete floors and other amenities are contemplated. In the second area, six “L” shaped towers are planned for a total of 66 apartments. An economic investment of 18 million USD is estimated.
In the same MIA proposed by the promoter Auralux Representaciones S.A. de C.V. it is clarified that there are species of mangrove that are distributed in the area, but they assure that their habitat will not be modified.
Among the considerations for its construction, it is planned to request a concession from the National Water Commission (Conagua) for the extraction of water through wells.
This project is expected to have a potential occupation of 552 people (considering exclusively the users of the complex, that is, 138 apartments in both sections, with four inhabitants in each apartment). In this way, for the operational stage, with the occupation of the apartments, a volume of 220,800 liters per day may be required, while it is expected that wastewater of up to 338,175 liters will be treated daily.
In relation to the conservation areas with which this project would border, the “State Reserve of Swamps and Mangroves of the North Coast of Yucatan” is located right next to it, and the complex would also be part of areas of importance for the conservation of birds (AICAs), and in particular within the so-called “Ría Celestún” Biosphere.
The area that is intended to be used for construction was also declared a wildlife refuge zone on July 19, 1979 as a “Special Biosphere Reserve,” however, the promoting company justifies its development by saying that it would not include productive activities such as agriculture or livestock or the creation of new roads, or the execution of activities such as fishing or hunting.
It is not enough to consider the construction of the project in these important areas, but it should be mentioned that it is also part of the Priority Hydrological Region called “Ring of Cenotes,” but the company states that it will not affect the water mantle because there will be no excessive extraction of water or deforestation that would imply a significant environmental problem, and that the use of water will be done in a rational manner.
Another area of influence is the Priority Marine Region called “Sisal-Dzilám,” but the promoter indicates that at no time will there be a removal of seagrass, not even by boats in general.
The land in question is also part of the Priority Terrestrial Regions (RTP), specifically in the so-called “Dzilam-Ría Lagartos-Yum Balam” and this region is characterized by encompassing the wetlands of northern Yucatan, but one argument used by the company is that “Las Dunas” will not carry out industrial activities with little regulation such as fishing, salt mining and overgrazing of cattle, or any other.
In the same documents delivered to Semarnat it is indicated that a total of 42 species of flora were registered, distributed in 28 families and 42 different genera, in addition to 24 species of endemic wild fauna, three reptiles, 20 birds and one mammal.
In addition, they recognize that the promotion of the complex will be done remotely, that is, those who decide to buy will see plans or projection images, but visits to the area will not be made directly.
TYT Newsroom
