Punta de Mita Community Urges Caution After SEMARNAT Recognizes Irregularities at Playa Las Cocinas

The community of Punta de Mita, Nayarit, is warning against premature celebration after Mexico's environmental agency SEMARNAT acknowledged irregularities in the construction at Playa Las Cocinas by developer Cantiles de Mita. The group "Batalla por la Playa" insists that without a formal technical ruling and concrete restoration actions, there is no victory yet.

What happened

On June 19, SEMARNAT issued a statement recognizing irregularities in the construction carried out by Cantiles de Mita on the federal maritime zone (ZOFEMAT) at Playa Las Cocinas. Source: infobae The agency announced a visit to follow up and ensure compliance with the 20-meter federal zone. Source: lajornadamx The community had previously managed to have a wall removed from the turtle nesting area, which they consider an encouraging milestone. Source: lajornadamx

Community’s position

In a meeting on June 28, the Comité Batalla por la Playa Las Cocinas issued a statement urging caution:

• "Understanding the enthusiasm, but that message can generate a false perception that the process has concluded." Source: infobae
• "While there is no defined deadline, technical ruling, and concrete actions for environmental restoration, we will remain firm and vigilant." Source: lajornadamx
• The restoration is complex: "The ditch that Cantiles de Mita made could be opened and filled with stones in a few days; restoring an ecosystem is much more complex." Source: lajornadamx

The committee called on the public to avoid declaring victory prematurely and to continue supporting the legal and peaceful struggle. Source: infobae

What's next

The community expects SEMARNAT to issue a formal technical ruling and set deadlines for restoration, which must involve scientific criteria and experts. Source: lajornadamx Until then, they vow to remain organized.