Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) reported that it detected irregularities in the construction works being carried out at Playa Las Cocinas, in Punta de Mita, Nayarit, where a new real estate development is being built. The project has raised concerns among residents and environmental organizations due to possible impacts on the coastal ecosystem.
According to the agency, inspections conducted by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), along with a technical report requested by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), identified irregularities in the rock-fill and containment works carried out within a federally concessioned Maritime-Terrestrial Federal Zone (Zofemat).
The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the development at Playa Las Cocinas, one of Punta de Mita’s most emblematic beaches, where residents have reported damage to coastal vegetation and potential impacts on protected species’ habitats.
What Irregularities Were Detected at Playa Las Cocinas in Punta de Mita?
Semarnat stated that environmental authorities identified the following issues during their inspections:
- “The works being carried out exceed the conditions authorized under the federal concession granted for protection purposes, whose nature only permits maintaining the area in its natural state and does not allow construction or permanent infrastructure.”
- “Additionally, noncompliance with established conditions and possible impacts on the natural dynamics of the beach were detected.”
After identifying these irregularities, Semarnat initiated a review of the Maritime-Terrestrial Federal Zone concession, considering that the company may have made improper use of the concessioned area.
Furthermore, the agency’s Nayarit office continues to process administrative proceedings stemming from an emergency notice issued in November 2025, after identifying possible violations of the environmental conditions imposed on the project.
As part of the process, authorities have held meetings with company representatives to notify them of the detected irregularities, explain the legal and administrative actions that may result from the case, and move forward with defining environmental restoration measures for the area.
Semarnat has also led working groups involving Profepa, state and municipal authorities, and community members to analyze alternatives for addressing the environmental and social impacts associated with the development.
Among the measures proposed by the agency are:
- The voluntary removal of the works currently installed on the beach.
- The implementation of environmental restoration projects before formally evaluating any future development alternatives that may be proposed.
As part of the case follow-up, specialists from various Semarnat and Profepa departments will conduct a joint technical visit to Playa Las Cocinas on June 25 to assess site conditions and determine the appropriate actions.
The agency reiterated that it will continue monitoring the case to ensure the protection of coastal ecosystems, public access to beaches, and compliance with environmental legislation.
Complaints About Environmental Damage at Playa Las Cocinas
The authorities’ actions come after months of complaints promoted by the Punta Mita Committee for the Defense of Playa Las Cocinas and other citizen groups.
Opponents of the project have warned about the removal of coastal vegetation, the use of heavy machinery near sea turtle nesting areas, and possible restrictions on public access to the beach.
Civil organizations have compared these complaints to the social mobilization that occurred in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, where a tourism project faced criticism over its potential environmental impacts.
Activists believe that both cases reflect a growing demand for stricter environmental evaluation criteria for coastal developments and greater participation by local communities.
Company Claims It Has the Necessary Permits
For its part, DINE, the company responsible for the project, maintains that the construction has all the required permits and that public access to Playa Las Cocinas will remain guaranteed.
The developer has also expressed its willingness to participate in the dialogue sessions promoted by authorities and community representatives.
Source: elfinanciero
