Cancún Hotels Invest 3M Pesos to Revive Coral Reefs

Cancún, Mexico — In an effort to restore coral reefs impacted by environmental degradation and climate change, Grupo RIU, in partnership with the organization Oceanus A.C., is advancing an ambitious marine restoration project along Cancún’s coastline, according to Jorge Vieira, corporate social responsibility manager for the Americas.

Coral Planting in Two Strategic Locations

The program focuses on planting and conserving coral colonies in two key coastal areas: El Bajito and Punta Nizuc, where survival rates have reached between 89% and 90%. These sites, deemed highly resilient, are supported by technical expertise from Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP).

“The goal is to rehabilitate reef ecosystems that have been lost in recent years. We are collaborating closely with Oceanus A.C., a marine restoration specialist, and with CONANP’s support,” Vieira explained.

RIU Constructs Environmental Education Center

As part of the initiative, RIU is also developing an environmental education and marine conservation center in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, near its resort properties. The project, which received nearly 3 million pesos in funding in 2024, is currently under construction.

“This center will be pivotal in raising awareness among tourists, employees, and local communities about the importance of reefs and their role in the ecological balance of the Mexican Caribbean,” Vieira added.

The project aims not only to restore coral but also to strengthen the hotel industry’s commitment to sustainability and the protection of natural resources that underpin the region’s tourism sector.