Kantunilkin, Quintana Roo — The municipality of Lazaro Cardenas is developing a thermal valorization project to convert urban solid waste into electricity, Mayor Josue Nivardo Mena Villanueva announced Wednesday during World Environment Day celebrations.
The initiative, coordinated with federal and state authorities, aims to harness waste generated in the region and marks a milestone in local environmental management, Mena said.
Holbox Island has already implemented a circular economy model in partnership with the federal Environment Ministry (Semarnat) to optimize recycling and generate electricity from garbage, the mayor explained.
Holbox Becomes National Circular Economy Reference
Speaking at the launch of the national “Circular Economy” program, for which the municipality served as host, Mena highlighted that Holbox has become a national benchmark for the sustainable strategy. The event was attended by Supreme Court President Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, an unprecedented visit to the island.
The mayor urged all three levels of government, the private sector, and the general public to implement the new General Law of Circular Economy, which was drafted in consultation with environmental experts. He stressed that real change begins at home with citizen awareness.
Benefits of the Thermal Valorization Project
The success of the plan depends on teamwork, authorities said, calling on residents to keep the island clean and report any waste collection failures or threats to the local ecosystem. The thermal valorization project is presented as a technological and sustainable solution to these community demands.
“With this circular economy project, both governments and the private sector seek to dignify the work of personnel engaged in cleaning, collection, and separation of urban waste,” Mena emphasized.
He reminded citizens of their shared responsibility to separate, recycle, repair, and reuse waste, and to adopt responsible consumption habits. “It is time for the circular economy,” he said.
Government Coordination and Sargassum-Free Beaches
Asked about the sargassum problem, the mayor offered an optimistic outlook, reporting that the algae does not reach the island’s shores, consolidating Holbox as a source of pride for Lazaro Cardenas. This natural advantage will be complemented by the new federal-backed environmental scheme, and a successful thermal valorization project will safeguard the ecological and economic future of the tourist destination.
Mena thanked Environment Secretary Alicia Barcenas Ibarra and Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa for prioritizing support for Lazaro Cardenas, a region where indigenous communities face high needs that local public budgets can barely cover.
