Xcacel project suspended by Environment Ministry!

Date: April 27, 2001
Contact: Dan Evans
Phone: (325) 373-6441

On April 17, 2001 the Environment Ministry issued a statement whereby the Sol Melia hotel project in Xcacel, Quintana Roo which was authorized last year has been declared null and void.

The Environment Ministry accepted the several review appeals presented by environmental NGOs and the County of Solidaridad against last year’s authorization and annulled the project. The Environment Ministry will open up a public consultation process which will take place during the next four months to take a final decision on the matter.

For all purposes, this is a done deal and the consultation process is just a formality since besides Sol Melia and its PR campaign there is no one in the State of Quintana Roo who favors the project. Even the Commission of Natural Resources and Environment of the Deputy Chamber of Congress has declared itself against the project.

It has taken more than three years of campaigning by local and international ngos as well as many scientists, the Quintana Roo community and a great many concerned individuals since Xcacel was illegally sold in late 1997 by a corrupt Governor to finally see a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

The most important nesting beach for green and loggerhead sea turtles in the Yucatan Peninsula will be saved!

This is not over yet, but this is a great step!

Congratulations to everyone who participated.