Mara Lezama: Turning Sargassum into Green Energy

Cancún — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa held a meeting with European Commissioner Josef Síkela and the Secretary of Climate Change and Development of SEMARNAT, José Luis Samaniego Leyva, with the purpose of strengthening international cooperation ties in matters of the circular economy and the sustainable use of sargassum.

A World Reference in Environmental Innovation

During an event held within the framework of the European Union delegation's visit, the governor highlighted that Quintana Roo is consolidating itself as a world reference in environmental innovation by transforming an ecological challenge into a development opportunity.

"Sargassum is a natural phenomenon that we cannot avoid, but we can decide how to face it. In Quintana Roo, we chose to act with responsibility, innovation, and vision for the future," the Governor emphasized.

Pilot Biogas Plant Holds Certifications

The head of SEMA, Oscar Rébora Aguilera, highlighted the relevance of Quintana Roo having the first pilot biogas plant in Mexico. He explained that after a detailed study, factors that confer technical viability to the project were identified, and it already holds the corresponding certifications.

Rébora Aguilera explained the multiple environmental, economic, and social benefits of the project, including energy use, the reduction of emissions of polluting gases, financing for carbon capture, the generation of green jobs, and the production of organic fertilizers, among other uses.

Would Consolidate a Virtuous Circle

It is estimated that two plants could process up to 300 tons of sargassum per day, which would allow for the consolidation of a virtuous circle of detection, monitoring, and attention.

The project has particular relevance for Europe, considering that in Quintana Roo, one out of every three hotel rooms represents European investment.

Lezama Espinosa recognized the support of the Government of Mexico, headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, and thanked the accompaniment of Secretary Alicia Bárcena, with whom she is promoting the Pole of Development for the Circular Economy for Well-being, a model that promotes sustainability and the generation of social value.

Sargassum is Transformed into an Economic Asset

Furthermore, she highlighted the launch of the Comprehensive Center for Sanitation and the Circular Economy, an initiative that allows for the transformation of sargassum into an economic asset through technological processes and green innovation.

"Our commitment is to provide certainty and security to those who invest in sustainable projects. In Quintana Roo, there are clear rules, technical accompaniment, and political will to make the circular economy a reality," she stated.

The Governor recalled that the state strategy against sargassum includes the collaboration of the Secretary of the Navy, the European Space Agency, and the private sector. Thanks to this joint effort, the state has the first Sargassum Satellite Monitoring Center in Latin America, which allows for anticipating its arrival and coordinating containment actions.

Caring for the Sea is Caring for Life

Just this year, she detailed, more than 87 thousand tons of sargassum have been collected through a fleet of specialized vessels, smaller boats, and more than nine thousand meters of barriers installed along the coast.

"Beyond keeping the beaches clean, what we seek is to preserve the balance of our ecosystems. In Quintana Roo, we understand that caring for the sea is caring for life," she expressed.

Strategic Alliance

Mara Lezama reiterated that cooperation with the European Union represents a strategic alliance to strengthen the green economy and the sustainable development of the region.

"When governments, businesses, and society work together, challenges cease to be threats and become opportunities. In Quintana Roo, with the strength of its people and the support of our President, the transformation moves forward," she concluded.

Also participating in the meeting were the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean in the European Commission, Félix Fernández Shaw; the Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Mexico, Stefan Agne; an advisor, as well as federal and state authorities.