Tulum, Quintana Roo — More than 70 volunteers from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancún participated in the latest large-scale cleanup at the Xcacel-Xcacelito sea turtle sanctuary, one of the most emblematic conservation sites for the species in the Mexican Caribbean. The event, coordinated by the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo, took place this Monday.
A Collective Effort Against Microplastics
Alejandro Arenas Martínez, head of the central zone department of the institute, described the cleanup as a demonstration of high social commitment. From 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants cleared the beach and transported collected waste to the Tulum Circula recycling center.
Among the participating groups were organizations such as CROC, Tulum Circula, Seres, and Guardianes de la Naturaleza, alongside various municipal and state agencies. Approximately 80 kilograms of microplastics—a hazardous waste for sea turtles, which have already begun their 2025 nesting season—were removed during the operation.
Arenas Martínez emphasized the importance of such initiatives: "These cleanups are critically effective because they ensure female turtles face no obstacles during nesting and that hatchlings can reach the sea unimpeded," he stated.
Previous Efforts Highlight Ongoing Need
The official noted that during the prior cleanup on April 25, nearly 100 volunteers collected around 400 kilograms of trash along the sanctuary’s 2.5-kilometer beachfront, underscoring the persistent need to protect these natural areas from pollution.
Beyond its environmental impact, the event reinforced the vital role of community involvement in safeguarding Quintana Roo’s biodiversity.
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