Playa Del Carmen Mayor Cleans Seabeds to Save Marine Life

In a bid to protect the planet and its ecosystems, Solidaridad Mayor Estefanía Mercado's government has coordinated ten seabed cleaning events within the first three months of her term. Mercado has reaffirmed her commitment to collaborate with the broader society, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to safeguard marine life that significantly benefits humanity.

"We must ensure the future of our seas," she stressed. As part of initiatives launched by the Secretariat of Environment and Climate Change, ten seabed cleaning days have been organized. These efforts have resulted in the removal of over 520 kilograms of waste from 12 beaches that have received Blue Flag or Platinum Beach certification.

Mercado emphasized the need for local residents and tourists to avoid littering the beaches, as much of this waste ends up on the seabed, posing a risk to marine species and tourism. She reiterated that the protection of ecosystems requires participation from everyone, not just government institutions. "By working together, we can help protect our natural resources and the environment, which are vital assets for our tourist destination. All recyclable material is repurposed, and collected waste is recycled," she added.

Samantha Álvarez Hernández, Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, clarified that the seabed cleaning days aim to raise awareness, promote reuse, and encourage recycling. All collected waste is weighed, sorted, and disposed of properly. She also listed the beaches that have received the Blue Flag and Platinum Beach certifications.

"During the first 100 days of the administration, we have collected 362.5 kg of waste and removed 158.8 kg of garbage from the sea during the ten seabed cleaning days," stated Álvarez. She concluded by announcing that these initiatives, led by environmental education staff, will continue throughout the 2024-2027 municipal administration.