We would like to give members an update on beach erosion at The Royal Haciendas and what we are doing to tackle it. Some of the other beaches in the Playa del Carmen area and along parts of the Riviera Maya coast are also being affected.

The beach erosion we are seeing is likely to be due to a combination of factors such as strong winds, climate change, changing currents and damage to offshore reefs, among others, although oceanographers and the authorities have yet to reach a consensus on the cause. Erosion occurs naturally from season to season and the beach recovers over time; however, this has not been the case this year. We have joined forces with other Corasol resorts in a project to protect the shoreline and are taking the following steps to mitigate the effects of erosion.

Actions with a short-term impact

We are protecting the structures that are exposed to erosion. Following the recommendations of coastal erosion experts and the authorities, we have demolished the ramp next to La Palapa del Sol and are building a stone wall to protect the restaurant, this will help retain the sand that is washed up by the waves and will reconnect the beach on both sides of the property so that our members and guests can enjoy their morning walks.

Actions with a mid-term and long-term impact

We are collaborating with UNAM scientists (National Autonomous University of Mexico) and biologists from the State Government Ecology Department on a beach restoration project. We are currently compiling all the environmental impact studies and documentation needed to obtain the permits from the authorities to begin work. It takes time – a year on average – to get all the required paperwork and official approval. The plan is to choose an option that will help replenish dune vegetation (salt-loving dune plants have extensive root systems that bind the sand and help keep it in place), restore the beach, protect marine flora and fauna, and in the long term contribute to the regeneration of offshore reefs and the growth of new coral colonies in the bay.

We will keep you posted as we move forward and will share further information as it becomes available.