Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Quintana Roo is consolidating itself as a global leader in environmental innovation. The state has gained another step in transforming its sargassum into a development opportunity.
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa met with European Commissioner Josef Síkela and Secretary of Climate Change and Development, José Luis Samaniego Leyva Tuesday.
The meeting also included the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the European Commission, Félix Hernández Shaw, the Head of European Union Cooperation in Mexico, Stefan Agne along with federal and state authorities.
The group met with the aim of strengthening international cooperation ties in the areas of the circular economy and sustainable use of sargassum.
During a meeting held during the visit of the European Union delegation, the Governor emphasized that Quintana Roo is consolidating its position as a global leader in environmental innovation by transforming an ecological challenge into a development opportunity.
“Sargassum is a natural phenomenon that we cannot avoid, but we can decide how to confront it. In Quintana Roo, we choose to act with responsibility, innovation and a vision for the future,” the Governor emphasized.
Oscar Rebora Aguilera, the Secretary of Ecology, emphasized the importance of Quintana Roo having the first biogas pilot plant in Mexico. He explained that after a detailed study, factors were identified that make the project technically viable, a project he pointed out, that already has the corresponding certifications.
Rebora Aguilera explained the project’s multiple environmental, economic and social benefits, including energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture financing, green job creation, and the production of organic fertilizers, among other uses.
It is estimated that two plants could process up to 300 tons of sargassum per day, which would consolidate a virtuous cycle of detection, monitoring and response. The project is particularly relevant for Europe, considering that in Quintana Roo, one in three hotels represents European investment.
Governor Lezama acknowledged the support of the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum and thanked Alicia Bárcena, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, for her assistance with whom she promotes the Circular Economy Development Hub for Well-being, a model that promotes sustainability and the generation of social value.
She also highlighted the launch of the Comprehensive Sanitation and Circular Economy Center, an initiative that transforms sargassum into an economic asset through technological processes and green innovation.
“Our commitment is to provide certainty and security to those who invest in sustainable projects. In Quintana Roo, there are clear regulations, technical support and political will to make the circular economy a reality,” she stated.
The Governor noted that the state’s strategy against sargassum includes collaboration with the Navy, the European Space Agency and the private sector. Thanks to this joint effort, the state has the first Sargassum Satellite Monitoring Center in Latin America, which allows for anticipating its arrival and coordinating containment actions.
This year alone, she explained, more than 87,000 tons of sargassum have been collected using a fleet of specialized vessels, smaller boats and more than 9,000 meters of barriers installed along the coast.
“Beyond keeping the beaches clean, what we seek is to preserve the balance of our ecosystems. In Quintana Roo, we understand that caring for the ocean means caring for life,” she said.
Mara Lezama reiterated that cooperation with the European Union represents a strategic alliance to strengthen the green economy and sustainable development in the region.
“When governments, businesses and society work together, challenges cease to be threats and become opportunities. In Quintana Roo, with the strength of its people and the support of our President, transformation is moving forward,” she said.
