In spite of federal laws and a regional management plan that require turtle protection, the state government of Quintana Roo sold the beaches to hotel developers. Construction is advanced at two of the three sites. Turtles that nest at X'cacel carry more than 20 percent of the genetic diversity of their species in the Atlantic. Turtles have been successfully protected at X'cacel for the past decade. To avoid a public outcry, the governor has prohibited construction at X'cacel within the first 100 meters from the sea.
Research shows that bright lights and human activity on the beach discourage nesting females.
Whole nests of up to 200 eggs can be destroyed by fungus if just one egg is pierced by a beach umbrella. In addition to the endangered sea turtles, X'cacel is home to more than 30 other protected species, including boa constrictors, marsh crocodiles, manatees, margays, jaguarundis and mangroves. Remind them that tourism will only be sustainable if Mexico takes care to preserve its abundant natural resources. Tell them what kind of tourism you prefer. Let them know that their decisions about X'cacel may affect the survival of loggerhead and green sea turtles, species that pre-date the dinosaurs.