Eco-Bahía Cleans Coastlines & Tracks Hazardous Waste

Tulum, Mexico — In alignment with its mission to preserve biodiversity and restore ecological balance, the Eco-Bahía Foundation—the environmental arm of Grupo Piñero—has reported successful results from the second quarter of its SAK Program, a community-driven initiative focused on coastal ecosystem cleanup.

Targeted Cleanup Efforts Yield Critical Data

From April to June, the program conducted four cleanup operations in key locations, including the Xcacel-Xcacelito Protected Natural Area and Playa Aventuras DIF, covering 1.5 kilometers of beach and 1 kilometer of ocean. These efforts were complemented by a new monthly waste classification strategy designed to identify the origin and types of pollutants in the region.

Luis Verdín, Manager of the Eco-Bahía Foundation, emphasized the program’s broader impact: “Collecting waste is just the first step; understanding it is what turns action into strategy. The SAK Program connects science, community, and sustainability with measurable results and a high positive impact on our environment.”

Alarming Waste Trends Identified

Data from the quarter revealed urgent environmental challenges: single-use plastics, cigarette butts, polystyrene containers, and hazardous waste—such as syringes, batteries, medications, and personal hygiene products—were the most frequently collected items. Additionally, specialized patrols documented 128 highly contaminating microplastic nurdles, which were reported to the international Nurdle Patrol platform.

Expanding Impact Through Community Engagement

The quarter also included participation in an urban cleanup in the Chemuyil community and a marine cleanup for World Oceans Day, targeting floating and submerged debris threatening local reefs and marine wildlife. These initiatives align with Grupo Piñero’s Natural Capital sustainability strategy and contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to underwater life (SDG 14), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

Collaborative Efforts Recognized

The Eco-Bahía Foundation acknowledged the dedication of partners, including Bahía Príncipe México, Tulum Country Club, Tulum Circula, Scubaquatic, Nurdle Patrol, and volunteer participants. Their collective efforts—from removing cigarette butts to classifying waste—demonstrate the power of small actions in building regenerative and responsible tourism.