Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Hundreds of people participated in a simultaneous sargassum cleanup along the coast of Quintana Roo. Volunteers along the coast helped Tuesday to remove hundreds of tons of washed up seaweed from the beaches in seven municipalities.
The colossal efforts were made in collaboration with municipal, state and federal authorities as well as the Marina, business sectors and residents.
As part of the Action Protocol for the massive arrival of sargassum in recent days, the state government, through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of the Navy and municipal governments, carried out a simultaneous cleanup of sargassum in seven municipalities of Quintana Roo.
The Secretary of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo, Óscar Rébora Aguilera, stated that they are working to protect and maintain the state’s beaches and coasts for the enjoyment of Quintana Roo families and tourists.
“This is the first time we’re reacting in a coordinated manner with the affected municipalities because we can’t do it alone. Today, we are an example of collective action, promoting environmental co-responsibility, protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening our capabilities and strength,” said the head of SEMA.
Hundreds of people took to the beaches of Mahahual in Othón P. Blanco, in Tulum at Punta Piedra, in Puerto Morelos with the beach cleanup in Punta Brava and Playa del Carmen with the beach cleanup in Fundadores.
People on the island of Cozumel also participated with a beach cleanup in Bonita, as did Isla Mujeres with the beach cleanup at La Guadalupana on the mainland and Cancun with the beach cleanup at Playa Marlín.
“Preserving our beaches isn’t a luxury, it’s a climate and economic emergency because caring for a beach isn’t just about cleaning its sand. It’s about protecting its biodiversity, sustaining the income of millions of families, defending our natural heritage and honoring our identity as a megadiverse coastal country,” Rébora Aguilera explained.
Volunteers from the Navy, Citizen Security, Ecology and Environment, ZOFEMAT, Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Network, Environmental Promotion Agency (PASA), municipal staff, environmental committees, civil associations and citizens participated in the mass Tuesday beach cleanups.
