The federal environmental protection agency Profepa has temporarily halted the construction of a hotel in the Yum Balam natural protected area of Isla Holbox.

Profepa agents reported that the Cabañas Coconut hotel is being built on more than 2,000 square meters of a coastal dune ecosystem where mangroves and other vegetation are found.

During an inspection, the agents found 15 two-story cabins under construction among other wooden and metal structures. All vegetation in the construction area had been removed and the land leveled and compacted.

The temporary suspension of all construction work was ordered when the hotel could not produce evidence of environmental authorization.

Source: El Universal (sp)