Cancún Reef Restored: 1 Hectare Saved

Cancún, Mexico — A coral reef restoration program, financed by the RIU hotel chain in Cancún, has transplanted more than three thousand coral colonies over the past six years. The most significant achievement lies in the fact that these colonies, raised in captivity, have an average survival rate of over 90 percent in their natural habitat. As a result, approximately one hectare of reef off the coast of Cancún has been successfully restored, according to Gabriela Nava, co-founding partner of the organization Oceanus.

The environmental activist noted that reefs worldwide are facing a crisis, with a mass bleaching event that was recorded with greater intensity in 2023 due to rising global temperatures.

“The Mexican Caribbean experienced a significant loss of corals, but resilient colonies are being rescued and propagated in nurseries. Fragments of coral produced in nurseries are being transplanted with the goal of establishing one colony per square meter, covering almost one hectare for every ten thousand colonies,” she stated.

Nava explained that work at sea, especially with autonomous diving, is costly and requires artisanal labor. Therefore, the funding provided by the RIU chain is aimed at establishing a marine biodiversity restoration center, which seeks to involve trained volunteers to reduce costs and expand the program's reach.

She said various forms of collaboration will be offered, including donations, volunteering, and the adoption of coral colonies through the Oceanus organization's website. The center aims to be a base for multiplying restoration actions and environmental education activities, offering interactive programs and training.

The initial investment was three million pesos for the program's operation and the construction of the center. However, the goal is for the organization in charge of the project to obtain funding from other sources to ensure its sustainability.