| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Ecologically sensitive | Full of delicate plants and animals which are at risk of damage from development. |
| Mesoamerican Reef System | The second-largest coral reef system in the world, located in the Caribbean. |
| Quintana Roo | A state in Mexico’s southern Yucatán Peninsula, known for cities like Cancún and Tulum. |
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has paused work on Royal Caribbean’s planned water park in Mahahual, Quintana Roo. This decision came after many protests from residents, environmentalists, and online supporters. The project, called Perfect Day Mexico, was supposed to be a large park for cruise ship visitors, with plans to open in 2027. It would have water slides, beaches, restaurants, and bars.
Environmentalists are worried because Mahahual is near the Mesoamerican Reef System, which is the second-largest coral reef in the world. The area also has mangrove forests, which are important for protecting the coast from hurricanes and storing carbon. These features make the region ecologically sensitive.
Activists, including groups like Sélvame MX and even fans of K-pop group BTS and singer Taylor Swift, have joined together to protest. They argue that the park could harm more than 90 hectares of jungle and mangroves and threaten animals like jaguars and sea turtles. There are calls for the government to cancel the project and find a different location that would not damage the environment.
Sheinbaum has asked the Environment Ministry to do a thorough review of the project. She mentioned that the park could be moved to another part of Quintana Roo that would not cause as much harm to the environment, showing the importance of balancing development with ecological preservation.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Project | Proyecto |
| Ecological | Ecológico |
| Activist | Activista |
Time to discuss
- Why is it important to protect areas like the Mesoamerican Reef System?
- What can be some challenges in moving a big project like Perfect Day to a new location?
- How can social media help in spreading awareness about environmental issues?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What are the main concerns of environmentalists regarding the Perfect Day project?
- How might moving the project to a different location help with these concerns?
