IBANQROO’s Coral Reef Breakthroughs at Congress

Cozumel, Mexico — Under the theme "Uniting efforts to preserve, conserve, and recover our coral reefs," the XIII Mexican Coral Reef Congress and IV Pan-American Coral Reef Congress took place on Cozumel Island from October 13 to 17, 2025. The event was coordinated and organized by the Mexican Coral Reef Society (SOMAC).

Given the importance of this congress, the Government of the State of Quintana Roo, through the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas (IBANQROO), participated with two presentations. The presentation titled "What do artisanal fishers say about the effects of the massive influx of sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean?" was delivered by MMZC Miguel Mateo Sabido Itzá, Director of Natural Protected Areas at IBANQROO. The second presentation, "Social networks as a tool for monitoring the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Bahía de Chetumal Manatee Sanctuary State Reserve," was presented by M. en C. Francisco Rubén Castañeda Rivero, Head of the Department of Natural Protected Areas, Regulatory Improvement, and Archives at the Institute.

During the congress, the work of IBANQROO in matters of social participation was highlighted, underscoring the importance of the Bahía de Chetumal Manatee Sanctuary State Reserve as a strategic and priority site for the monitoring and conservation of the manatee. The relevance of understanding the perception of coastal communities in the face of changes derived from the massive arrival of sargassum was also emphasized. This phenomenon has impacted both marine ecosystems and sustainable use activities, particularly artisanal fishing.

The event also featured the notable participation of the local entrepreneurial groups Mujeres Biofantásticas and Xcalarte, who shared their local ventures. Their products included travel souvenirs inspired by the wildlife of the Bahía de Chetumal Manatee Sanctuary State Reserve, as well as handicrafts made from lionfish fins, an invasive exotic species present in the marine ecosystems of the Mexican Caribbean. These ventures reflect the creativity and resilience of the communities and their firm commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Through these actions, efforts in conservation are made more visible, highlighting the coordinated intersectoral work at the state level for the benefit of ecosystems. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration with diverse institutions and the social sector, including communities and local enterprises, is emphasized, which strengthens the social fabric and promotes sustainable development in the region.