Cozumel, Q.R. — A partial reopening of the section of the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel that was temporarily closed, is expected this weekend.
The reef area of the park that was restricted by la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, could see a reopening December 15, which was part of the initial agreement. If reopened, however, it will be with new rules.
Brenda Hernández Hernández, head of la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (Conanp) of Cozumel, says that the agreement for the possible December 15 reopening of the park was made during an extraordinary meeting of the Advisory Council of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park based on concrete proposals by the tourism sector.
She clarified that it is not a total reopening since they do not want to return to the original situation of overloading the reef system, but that a partial reopening is possible that could likely include controlled access and a limited capacity.
“We understand the situation they are going through and we agree on good practices that must be done to protect the reef,” she said.
She added that a proposal was submitted to the Consejo Asesor that would see a rotation or breaks for different areas of the park that would each last two months, as well as proposals for self-regulation and controlled access.
Conanp is expected to release detailed information about the partial reopening of the park over the next few days.
