Opportunities for environmentally healthy, inclusive, and resilient growth in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatân Peninsula is home to 4.1 million people and 30 municipalities, spanning the Gulf of Mexico's oil fields to Cancân's beaches. It faces growing risks from environmental hazards, such as oil spills, hurricanes, coral bleaching, extreme flooding, and erosion. This report explores selected topics to inform decision-making in the region, using an integrated coastal zone management context. Economic studies show that the main environmental health risks result in over 1,000 premature deaths and 9.36 million days lost to illnesses, generating substantial economic losses. Scenarios relating to the economic cost of extreme weather events generate similar levels of damages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 139 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2020
Publisher: World Bank Publications

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to approximately 4.1 million people, divided into three states: Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche. This region boasts a diverse landscape, encompassing a coastal territory spanning nearly 2,000 linear kilometers, stretching from the oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico to the world-renowned beaches of Cancún, just north of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. In addition to its natural beauty, the peninsula is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous notable Mayan temples scattered throughout. While poverty has not been completely eradicated, the region offers significant economic development opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and hydrocarbon development. However, these opportunities come with growing risks from environmental hazards. Over the past decade, the region has experienced a range of environmental challenges, including oil spills, hurricanes, coral bleaching, extreme flooding, and erosion.

In response to these challenges, this report explores selected topics aimed at informing decision-making in the region. A general context of integrated coastal zone management is used to examine issues, constraints, and potential solutions. The role of geomorphology is explored to identify how shore management plans can contribute to improved coastal management. Economic studies reveal that the main environmental health risks in the peninsula result in over 1,000 premature deaths annually and over 9.36 million days lost to illnesses. These risks generate substantial economic losses, representing 2.2-3.3 percent of gross regional income. Scenarios related to the economic cost of extreme weather events also generate similar levels of damages, with estimates ranging from 1.4-1.5 percent of GDP in 2020 to 1.6-2.3 percent of GDP in 2050.

A social accounting matrix examines the social and environmental interconnectedness to various parts of the economy. An institutional analysis considers the mandates of existing institutions and explores ways to enhance their effectiveness in addressing environmental challenges.

In conclusion, the Yucatán Peninsula faces significant environmental challenges, but it also presents opportunities for economic development. By implementing effective shore management plans, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing environmental health risks, the region can strive towards a more sustainable future.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 215 x 281 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781464813573