Environmental Win Halts Puerto Morelos Condo Construction

DMAS's legal victory will impact real estate projects near sensitive ecosystems.

What's Changing

The Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS) association has successfully halted the construction of a real estate project in Puerto Morelos. This project, known as Aluxe, was set to build 44 apartments near an area of high ecological value, including mangroves and wetlands. The legal challenge was filed after the company was found building outside their permitted zone, encroaching on a protected area of the Puerto Morelos Protected Natural Area.

What It Means for Residents

The halt on construction is a significant victory for environmental preservation in Puerto Morelos. It sets a precedent for future projects in the area, ensuring that developers must adhere strictly to environmental regulations. Residents and local groups can now focus on sustainable development practices, protecting the unique biodiversity of the region.

The Legal Battle

The case was brought to court by DMAS's lawyer, Irma Morales Cruz, who explained that the legal action is part of ongoing efforts to challenge projects that threaten sensitive coastal ecosystems. The project had previously received a negative environmental impact assessment from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) in January 2026, but construction was allowed to resume after the Quintana Roo Ministry of the Environment (SEMA) granted state authorization in June 2025.