CEA is working with the municipal and state authorities to try to change the way Akumal will be developed, but we need your help. We would like to know about your wishes and concerns for Akumal and the surrounding area. Not only is this issue important for Akumal, but it represents a choice for how development will take place along the entire coast of Quintana Roo. We still have a choice in determining what kind of development is best for society, the environment and the economy—the three fundamentals of sustainable development. Please review the information provided here and express your concerns by responding to our survey and signing the Declaration. It’s not too late to save the beauty and essence of the Riviera Maya—its nature.

A Bit of Background

Land use planning in México has been developed within the framework of the Mexican Constitution and the federal General Law for Ecology Equilibrium and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA). Within these, the Ecological Zoning Programs or Ecological Land Use Planning Programs (Programas de Ordenamiento Ecológico del Territorio, or POET, in Spanish) provide a framework for specific land use planning and activities. POETs are instruments of environmental policy whose objectives are to guide land use activities for the protection of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. Four different types of POETs are presented in the Ecology Law: general (national level), regional (part of a state, one state or more than one state), local (municipalities) and marine.

The POET that provides a framework for land use in the Akumal area is called the Cancun-Tulum Corridor POET. Within this POET there are several specific areas called Environmental Management Units, or UGAs for Unidades de Gestión Ambiental. UGAs are a more detailed section of the POET, with specific activities permitted within their boundaries. As noted on the map, Akumal is currently in UGAs 7, 8 and 10, with UGA 4 having been designated a larger urban development area within the current POET. Akumal Pueblo is found in UGA 10 and the beach area of Akumal is in UGA 7.

The current POET allows for a set number of hotel rooms and inhabitants per square meter in areas where development is allowed. Other areas are designated as natural areas and are to be protected. As it stands today, up to 80,000 people are allowed to inhabit UGAs 4 and 10 combined. However, the POET is set to be revised in November of 2004 and the Municipal government is seeking to increase this number.

UGAs 7 and 8 are both along the coast and designated natural areas, while 10 and 4 have been cited as human settlement areas. It is within these latter UGAs that the Municipal government of Solidaridad (the authority for Akumal) is proposing to develop a city of up to 250,000 people by the year 2028. An architectural firm in Playa del Carmen, Entorno, designed the “Plan Director de Desarrollo Urbano 2003-2028” for Akumal (see map, pdf file).

There are several aspects of the plan that are questionable—mainly the way in which it was developed, not based on local needs or participation—including disregard of information on the ground structure, underground river systems, conservation of the local flora and fauna, and of general principles of sustainable development. It is unfortunate that in 2004, with so much information available, both in México and internationally, this type of urban planning continues to take place, and all in the name of tourism progress.

As we witness the current construction of new homes in Akumal Pueblo or a new road going to Yal-Kú Lagoon, there is no doubt that development must be planned. However, it should take place in an integrated way, with the various stakeholders participating in the decision-making processes, and with the coordination of a variety of government agencies, including the environment ministries, to ensure that Akumal develops in an ecologically sound manner.

If you would like more information on the subject, please contact CEA.

Thank you for concern and support.

UGA 4 and 10 – designated for human settlements; UGA 7 and 8 (Akumal Playa) designated Natural Area



Expanded Akumal drawing, (pdf file)