Background on Peninsula Maya Developments and La Ensenada Project
Peninsula Maya Developments (PMD), a Yucatecan-owned company, is the promoter of a real estate project called La Ensenada on the large island of Holbox, spanning 980.05 hectares of their property.
Project Details
- Three hotels on 8.65 hectares, adjacent to a larger area of 114 hectares designated for real estate sales, commercial spaces, canals, roads, and services.
- Up to 872 residential units, ranging from lots to villas and condominiums.
The La Ensenada project was first proposed in 2012, and PMD insists that their development will occupy less than 2% of their land, preserving over 98% of the natural area.
Fire Incident and Allegations
In late August, a fire broke out on Isla Grande de Holbox, covering 670 hectares. Environmental groups like the Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental, Grupo Ecologista del Mayab, Grupo Tortuguero del Caribe, Amigos de Sian Ka’an, Centinelas del Agua, and Casa Wayuu suspect the fire might have been intentionally set. They called for a 20-year moratorium on the affected area to prevent any turistic or other exploitation permits.
Peninsula Maya Developments’ Response
PMD denies any involvement in the fire and states that their property was more than half a kilometer away from the fire’s origin. They emphasize that they, along with other landowners, are among the most affected parties since the fire spread from neighboring properties to theirs.
The company argues that suggesting a fire “benefits” a project is ironic, as it actually complicates permit acquisition and imposes additional restrictions. PMD further clarifies that their projects will occupy less than 2% of their land, with more than 98% remaining untouched. Moreover, the planned areas are not located on mangroves but will be built on piers.
PMD also announced their intention to collaborate with authorities on a reforestation program for the damaged areas.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Is Peninsula Maya Developments linked to the Holbox fire? A: No, PMD denies any involvement and states their property was not the fire’s origin.
- Q: How does the fire impact PMD’s La Ensenada project? A: The fire complicates permit acquisition and imposes additional restrictions, contrary to any perceived benefits.
- Q: What percentage of PMD’s land will the La Ensenada project occupy? A: Less than 2% of PMD’s land will be used for the project, preserving over 98% of the natural area.
- Q: What are the project’s details? A: The La Ensenada project includes three hotels on 8.65 hectares, a larger area of 114 hectares for real estate sales, commercial spaces, canals, roads, and services. Up to 872 residential units will be built, ranging from lots to villas and condominiums.
- Q: How is Peninsula Maya Developments addressing the fire’s impact? A: PMD plans to collaborate with authorities on a reforestation program for the affected areas.
