Cancún Businesses Adopt Cenotes, Remove 11 Tons of Trash

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The General Directorate of Ecology in Benito Juárez has intensified its cleanup and restoration program for cenotes and wetlands while urging local businesses to adopt these natural spaces for long-term maintenance.

Public-Private Collaboration Yields Results

Fernando Haro, Director General of Ecology for the Benito Juárez municipality, reported that 14 cleanup operations have been conducted this year, resulting in the removal of approximately 11 tons of waste. "We are collaborating with the private sector to encourage businesses to adopt a cenote," Haro stated. "Their involvement can range from installing signage and painting to making improvements in the surrounding areas to deter illegal dumping."

Of the 70 urban cenotes identified across Cancún, only 26 are currently part of the program. The remaining cenotes are located on private property, limiting municipal intervention unless landowners grant permission.

Waste Composition and Strategic Response

The cleanup efforts have uncovered a wide range of discarded items, including scrap metal, tires, and even refrigerators. In response, the municipality has implemented the Cancún Limpio (Clean Cancún) strategy, which coordinates efforts across three departments: the General Directorate of Ecology (responsible for cenote cleanups and environmental awareness campaigns), Public Services (overseeing bulk waste collection), and Siresol (managing the "Green Patrols" program).

Water Quality Studies Underway

A recent agreement with the Yucatán Scientific Research Center (CICY) and its Cancún-based Water Sciences Unit aims to assess water quality in the region’s wetlands, including the 26 cenotes, lagoons, and other ecosystems. Preliminary findings are expected by year-end, guiding future conservation priorities.

Haro noted that prior studies indicated poor water quality, particularly in the lagoon system. As a result, the Ecology Directorate has partnered with the Fondo para el Ordenamiento Territorial del Estado de Quintana Roo (Foatqroo), the agency that replaced Fonatur in the hotel zone, to inspect grease traps in commercial establishments. Inspections are ongoing to prevent wastewater discharges into the lagoons.

The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to preserving its ecological heritage while engaging stakeholders in sustainable solutions.