Quintana Roo’s New Eco Plan for Tourism

Othón P. Blanco, QRoo — The state of Quintana Roo is implementing a stronger, more resilient environmental policy that is closer to the people, declared Óscar Rébora, head of the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (Sema), during his appearance before the deputies of the Commission for Environment and Climate Change of the 18th Legislature of the State Congress.

As part of the transparency and accountability exercise corresponding to the review of the Third Government Report of Governor Mara Lezama, Óscar Rébora highlighted that Quintana Roo has established itself as a national and regional reference by creating the Environmental Monitoring and Sargassum Arrival Detection Center. Its objective is to anticipate, coordinate, and provide an early response to the arrival of this seaweed on the state's coasts, protecting marine ecosystems and the tourism activities that depend on them.

The management of sargassum was consolidated as a strategic public policy, based on inter-institutional cooperation through the Comprehensive Sargassum Management Plan, in coordination with the Secretariat of the Navy and seven coastal municipalities. In the third year of the government, more than 84 thousand tons were collected from 2.38 million square meters of beaches, with an initial investment of 36.2 million pesos as of September 2025, allocated to the emergency beach cleaning program, the maintenance of the Natans BSO-101, and the delivery of specialized equipment, including 9,500 meters of installed marine barriers.

Recycling and Waste Management Initiatives

Regarding the "Recicla por tu Futuro" (Recycle for Your Future) program, environmental training was provided to 15,351 people, who received 90,000 basic food baskets, with an investment of 52.6 million pesos. Furthermore, 468,418 kilograms of recovered waste were reincorporated into the value chain, directly benefiting more than 15,000 inhabitants of Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Solidaridad, Othón P. Blanco, and Tulum.

With the "Transforma y Recolecta" (Transform and Collect) program, 17 tons of tires, 10 tons of electronics, and 500 liters of vegetable oil were recovered for correct disposal, benefiting 442,000 inhabitants of five municipalities: Othón P. Blanco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, José María Morelos, Bacalar, and Tulum. These actions contribute to public health by reducing the spread of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Strengthening Environmental Resilience

To strengthen environmental resilience, a parametric insurance policy has been continuously contracted to protect the reefs and beaches of Quintana Roo from category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes. In the third year of the government, a payment of 8.9 million pesos was managed, following the activation of the policy derived from the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. These resources are applied to the restoration of beaches and reefs, contributing to ecological recovery and the protection of coastal biodiversity.

Animal Welfare as a Priority

In matters of animal welfare, Óscar Rébora emphasized that the protection of defenseless living beings is a priority. "Governor Mara Lezama has reiterated that animal abuse and cruelty are crimes punishable by jail. This government combats violence against animals through concrete actions. In coordination with the Attorney for Environmental Protection, we have carried out 249 actions for the protection and guarantee of animal welfare during these three years."

Quintana Roo was also a national pioneer in implementing temporary shelters for animals. In coordination with the Ibanqroo, the State Guide for the Implementation of Temporary Shelters for Dogs and Cats in the Face of Disturbing Phenomena was developed, with guidelines for their correct operation. Thanks to this, 211 animals were sheltered in the last hurricane season.

Finally, he highlighted that for the first time in the state, under the governor's initiative, the Animal Welfare Caravan Program was implemented, with an investment of 4 million pesos, to bring free veterinary services to communities in the 11 municipalities. The program contemplates the sterilization of 1,200 pets, the application of 1,200 anti-rabies vaccines, and the delivery of 1,200 animal care kits. From July to date, 593 sterilizations have been performed, 620 vaccines applied, and 593 kits delivered.