| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Mahahual | A small fishing village on Mexico’s Caribbean coast |
| Mesoamerican Reef System | The world’s second-largest coral reef system, located in the Caribbean. |
| Carbon Sink | Natural environments that absorb more carbon dioxide than they release. |
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has temporarily halted the construction of Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day” water park in Mahahual, located in the state of Quintana Roo. This decision comes following protests from local residents and environmentalists who are concerned about the potential environmental damage the project might cause. Sheinbaum has tasked the Environment Ministry (Semarnat), led by Alicia Bárcena, with conducting a new environmental review of the project.
Royal Caribbean, a major cruise line company, aims to open the park in stages starting in late 2027. They envision it as a private attraction for cruise passengers on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of preserving the ecological balance, especially for the coral reefs in the area. She hinted that the project could be relocated to another part of Quintana Roo where the environmental impact would be less severe.
The environmental group Sélvame MX plans to organize a peaceful protest in Mexico City to demand the project’s cancellation. They are urging participants to bring banners and remind officials that Mahahual should remain untouched. Greenpeace has also expressed opposition, warning of an “environmental tragedy” if the park is built.
Interestingly, the opposition has attracted support from unconventional allies. Fans of K-pop group BTS and singer Taylor Swift have taken to social media, promoting petitions and slogans such as “Mahahual needs us” to raise awareness about the issue.
Mahahual is a small fishing village with less than 3,000 residents, situated near the Mesoamerican Reef System. This area is crucial for its coral reefs and mangrove forests, which serve as a natural barrier against hurricanes and are vital carbon sinks. Activists argue that the park, expected to draw up to 20,000 visitors daily, would destroy over 90 hectares of jungle and mangroves, threatening endangered species like jaguars and sea turtles.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Protest | Protesta |
| Ecological | Ecológico |
| Environmental | Ambiental |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think environmental reviews are important for large projects?
- How can protests influence government decisions on environmental issues?
- What role do social media campaigns play in environmental activism today?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What are the potential environmental impacts of the “Perfect Day” project in Mahahual?
- How might relocating the project help in reducing its environmental impact?
