FPMC Cleans Cozumel Coastline in Global Effort

Cozumel, Mexico — The Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPMC), in coordination with Ocean Conservancy, carried out the 40th International Coastal Cleanup Day. Volunteers removed more than 100 kilograms of waste from the northern area of the Malecón, reaffirming the commitment to protecting the island's natural environment.

The welcome was led by the director of Conservation and Environmental Education, Rafael Chacón Díaz, who, representing the FPMC's general director, Juanita Alonso Marrufo, thanked the environmental groups, companies, and unions that joined this action for the planet.

He emphasized that the cleanup was conducted on the Malecón because it is one of the primary natural landscapes that visitors see upon arriving in Cozumel, making it a strategic point for the conservation and positive image of the island.

Chacón Díaz recalled that the FPMC is a pioneer in coastal cleanup activities in Quintana Roo and has been a benchmark in promoting environmental education and ecological volunteerism. He highlighted that each cleanup event represents an opportunity to raise awareness among girls, boys, youth, and adults about the importance of reducing waste, reusing materials, and protecting marine ecosystems.

During the event, volunteers collected plastic, aluminum, and glass containers, wrappers, bottle caps, remnants of nets, and microplastics. Furthermore, during the underwater cleanup, aluminum cans, PVC pipes, and spark plugs were removed.

The director of CEA thanked the effort and support of the Jóvenes por la Conservación group; the Confederación Revolucionaria de Obreros y Campesinos (CROC); Sam’s Club; Xcaret Xailing; Ramón Villanueva; Ocean Love; and staff from the Department of Green Areas, Parks, Gardens, and Tourist Zones, among other allies who contributed materials, time, and enthusiasm to achieve a successful cleanup.

He also highlighted the collaboration of Araceli Ramírez, Ocean Conservancy's coordinator in Mexico, who provided event t-shirts to the Jóvenes por la Conservación group.

"These voluntary actions reflect the spirit of the New Agreement for the Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo, promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, by promoting an active and supportive social participation in building a cleaner, more just, and sustainable future for all," he stated.

Finally, he reported that the collected waste will be classified, analyzed, and sent to the sanitary landfill for proper final disposal. The data obtained will be shared with Ocean Conservancy, which will integrate the results into the annual global report, alongside figures from more than 19 million volunteers from over 100 countries who participate in international beach cleanups.