The Mexican government faces an international lawsuit if it does not order the demolition of a large pier built ''illegally'' just 50 meters from a reef along what is known as the Mayan Riviera. The ''Ultramar-Aquaworld'' pier, which began operating in July, violates several laws and is an attack on protected natural resources, Gustavo Alanís, president of the Mexican Center for Environmental Law, told Tierramérica.

If the 230-meter wharf — located close to a delicate Caribbean reef system — is not dismantled, the case will be brought before the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation, said Alanís.

The Commission, made up of representatives from Canada, Mexico and the United States, will be presented with the illegalities and ''corruption'' that were behind the construction of the pier, he said.

Environmentalists have opposed the project since it was first announced in 2001, and demanded, without success, explanations and documentation from the authorities.