Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Authorities at the Cozumel Reefs National Park have launched a weeklong celebration marking the protected area’s 30th anniversary, with activities designed to highlight the ecological importance of one of Mexico’s most significant marine ecosystems.
Through July 25, the park is offering guided tours, children’s workshops, conferences, and an environmental fair aimed at promoting conservation of the island’s natural heritage.
The inaugural event took place Monday at Cenote Aerolito, featuring a toast and an interpretive tour of the cenote.
On Wednesday at 7 a.m., a bird-watching and interpretive tour called the Cozumel Birding Tour will be held, also at Cenote Aerolito.
The closing event on Saturday will feature an Environmental Fair at Parque Municipio Libre.
Blanca Alicia Quiroga García, director of Cozumel’s Protected Natural Areas, said the park is vital for Quintana Roo because it protects 90% of the island’s coastline. Together with the island’s three other protected natural areas, they safeguard 50% of Cozumel’s terrestrial territory.
“It is very important for us as Cozumeleños and beneficiaries of all its ecosystem services, as it promotes a culture of environmental education and good tourism practices to prevent deterioration,” Quiroga said.
She called on residents and tourists to participate in the anniversary activities.
The park was declared a protected natural area on July 19, 1996, covering approximately 12,000 hectares, including beaches and reefs along the southeastern and southwestern coasts of Cozumel Island.
The area hosts extraordinary biodiversity and is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, serving as a natural barrier against hurricanes and a source of livelihood for thousands of families dependent on tourism.
