Quintana Roo authorities launch environmental protection initiatives

Environmental authorities in Quintana Roo are intensifying efforts to protect local ecosystems following several incidents. In Cancún, officials have urged hotels to reinforce education for tourists after a video surfaced showing a visitor handling sea turtle hatchlings. Such actions are considered federal offenses that can carry prison sentences and significant fines.

In Champotón, the Grupo Ecologista Quelonios reported that illegal use of ATVs in nesting zones caused the destruction of over 1,500 hawksbill turtle eggs and hatchlings. This incident has prompted calls for increased security and surveillance in protected beach areas.

To address water pollution, a campaign will begin on September 1 to remove approximately 48 abandoned or sunken vessels from Laguna Nichupté. The operation will be conducted in three stages by local ecology departments, the Port Captaincy, and CONANP.

Additionally, the Quintana Roo Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) is preparing a strategy to combat beach erosion in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Cozumel. The project aims to restore ecosystems and reposition sand through integrated restoration efforts.