# Coastal cleanup and environmental regulation in Latin Am

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/coastal-cleanup-initiatives-in-latin-america
> Updated: 2026-10-24T17:25:32.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2.

Environmental conservation efforts have focused on waste removal and marine protection across various coastal regions. In Venezuela, a national sanitation campaign for World Beach Day mobilized over 21,000 participants, collecting more than 56 tons of waste, primarily plastic. This initiative also included mangrove reforestation and the release of seahorses in national parks.

In Mexico, cleanup activities have been reported in both Veracruz and Quintana Roo. In Veracruz, the association Proyecto Kayam AC conducts monthly operations to remove debris such as glass, tires, and hazardous materials. In Playa del Carmen, recent efforts included a large-scale coastal cleanup organized as part of the International Coastal and Water Body Cleanup (LICCA), involving over 2,000 volunteers to mitigate marine pollution.

Regarding environmental regulation, the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has denied environmental authorization for the Kantal project in northern Playa del Carmen. Following a three-year evaluation, the General Directorate of Environmental Impact and Risk (DGIRA) concluded that the proposal by Operadora Beste Boden, S.A.P.I. de C.V. violated environmental legal provisions. The project intended to urbanize more than 80 hectares into 55 lots for residential, tourist, and commercial use, but the DGIRA decision prevents the execution of the planned works.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Santiago social services program reaches 6,000 residents

Over 6,000 people in Santiago province received health, social, and technical training services through the ‘Primero Tú’ government program.

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/playa-del-carmen-hosts-massive-coastal-cleanup-with-2000-volunteers

### 2026-09-26: Coastal cleanup efforts reported in Venezuela and Mexico

Environmental cleanup efforts in Venezuela and Mexico target coastal pollution, with Venezuela collecting 56 tons of waste and Mexican volunteers performing monthly removals of plastic and hazardous debris.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coastal-cleanup-efforts-reported-in-venezuela-and-mexico

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Cite as: Coastal cleanup and environmental regulation in Latin Am. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/coastal-cleanup-initiatives-in-latin-america