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Puerto Morelos working toward sustainable tourism practices to save reef

Puerto Morelos, Q.R. — The municipality of Puerto Morelos is working toward sustainable tourism practices to conserve its natural assets. José de Jesús Espinosa Payán, the General Secretary of the City Council says it is urgent to implement responsible tourism practices that not only promote the local economy, but also care for and respect the ecosystems of Puerto Morelos.

He says Puerto Morelos is a destination that attracts thousands of visitors each year who arrive to enjoy its crystal-clear waters and the richness of the reef. On Monday, he met with a group to address the crucial issue of sustainable development of the region as well as the health of the marine ecosystems.

He said they also discussed the conservation and proper management of the Puerto Morelos reef since it is recognized for its natural beauty, its biodiversity and for being part of the Mesoamerican Reef System.

He said the reef hosts a great variety of flora and fauna species, many of which are endemic, while warning that its health is threatened by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, unregulated tourism and climate change.

“Today, more than ever, we must join forces to protect and preserve this invaluable heritage by training tourist guides, promoting activities that minimize environmental impact and creating regulations that limit the number of visitors in sensitive areas in addition to promoting education and environmental awareness among residents and visitors,” he explained.

He also proposed the creation of awareness programs that explain the importance of reefs.

“Each one of us has the power to change daily habits and contribute to the protection of the environment with beach clean-up campaigns, workshops on sustainability and the promotion of responsible diving practices, actions that can have a great impact and make a big difference,” he said.

De Jesús Espinosa Payán considers it crucial to improve the monitoring and surveillance system, to work hand in hand with local fishermen and establish sustainable fishing practices that ensure the preservation of species, such as the elimination of abandoned fishing nets, protecting marine biodiversity, carrying out conservation actions on an ongoing basis and participating in initiatives that strengthen the resilience of ecosystems.

María del Carmen García Rivas, the Director of Parque Marino, agreed that the reef is experiencing a state of emergency as a result of climate change and the impact of human activity, which have degraded some of its ecosystems.

In this regard, she stressed that the surveillance and recovery of the reef, which begins in Holbox and extends to Honduras, is a job for everyone, regardless of their specialty.

Puerto Morelos working toward sustainable tourism practices

“There is no good news with the reefs and that is why we say that we are in an environmental emergency that is transmitted as a social emergency because without natural resources we will fight for them,” she said.