Mayor Leads Beach Cleanup Campaign in Solidaridad

More than 200 kilograms of waste have been cleared from the beaches of Solidaridad by the current municipal administration. This effort is part of two major beach cleaning drives. Solidaridad's Mayor, Estefanía Mercado, stated that the Secretariat of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change has been conducting underwater cleanups along the municipality's coastline. The aim is to minimize the amount of waste and rubbish generated by human activity, which leads to ocean pollution, adversely affecting marine life and the tourism industry.

"It's crucial that we act immediately to educate the public about the impact of beach litter on our oceans. This waste harms our ecosystems and marine life, either directly or indirectly," the Mayor emphasized. Mercado also highlighted the importance of daily efforts from government institutions and the need for support from the private sector and the general public.

"If we can raise awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems and take solid actions, we can help preserve our natural resources. This will lead to a better Solidaridad, a better Quintana Roo, and a better Mexico," she added.

Samantha Álvarez Hernández, the Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, explained that the goal of the underwater cleanups is not only to raise awareness but also to promote reuse and recycling. All collected waste is weighed, classified, and properly disposed of. Any material that can be repurposed is reused, and collected waste is recycled.

"The underwater cleanup is a successful program that adapts to the conditions and needs of each beach," she affirmed. "In the current 2024-2027 administration, we have collected 141.9 kg of waste and 85.9 kg of rubbish from the sea during the two underwater cleanups carried out from September 30th to October 25th, 2024."

To carry out these actions, financial resources, manpower, and tools were utilized. The Secretary of Environment explained that residues such as PET and glass are left on the certified beaches to be collected by recycling companies in Solidaridad.

"The execution of the underwater cleanups is complex, as it involves transferring staff to the beaches, preparing to dive to collect the waste, bringing it to the surface, and finally leaving it on the beach for subsequent classification and weighing," she concluded.