Project Overview and Concerns
The Perfect Day project, initiated by Royal Caribbean in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, aims to accommodate 21,000 cruise tourists daily and project over 5 million annual visitors. However, the project faces opposition from local environmentalists due to existing water pollution issues in Mahahual.
Background on Water Pollution Issue
Antonella Vázquez Cavedón, president of Defendiendo el Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano (DMAS), explains that the opposition stems from Mahahual’s struggle with sewage overflow. The local government has failed to address the problem, she claims.
- Promociones Turísticas Mahahual: This company built the Nuevo Mahahual fraction and left incomplete a sewage treatment plant, causing contaminated water to flow into a 40-hectare mangrove area and the coral reef in front of the community.
- Royal Caribbean’s Project: The company promises to clean the contaminated area but overlooks that Perfect Day’s operation will add more strain to Mahahual’s poor infrastructure and drainage.
Project Details and Impact
Perfect Day involves constructing a large water park adjacent to Mahahual’s cruise ship dock, focusing on recreational activities across 82.58 hectares, including 404.88 m² of beachfront.
- Initial Operation Capacity: Up to 21,000 cruise tourists daily and 2,500 staff members for park operation.
- Six Thematic Areas: Arrival, Hideaway, Family Cove, Loco Waterpark, Service Areas (Boh), and Natural Areas.
The Manifestation of Impact Ambiental (MIA) acknowledges the presence of ocelot, jaguarundi, and green sea turtle (all endangered species) on the land earmarked for the water park.
The company plans to implement five mitigation measures, including stress-reducing techniques for wildlife integrity.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Perfect Day project? It’s a large water park planned by Royal Caribbean in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, aiming to serve 21,000 cruise tourists daily.
- Why are environmentalists concerned? They worry about the existing sewage overflow in Mahahual, exacerbated by the additional strain from Perfect Day’s operation.
- What species are present in the project area? The MIA recognizes ocelot, jaguarundi, and green sea turtle populations in the area affected by the water park construction.
- What mitigation measures does Royal Caribbean plan to implement? The company intends to use stress-reducing techniques to ensure wildlife integrity amidst construction.
