Quintana Roo Approves New Law to Protect and Promote Artisans

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The state Congress has approved a new law aimed at boosting and protecting artisans across Quintana Roo, local Deputy Euterpe Gutiérrez Valasis announced.

The legislation, introduced a year ago, comprises 17 articles and transitional provisions. It was developed through visits to Maya communities and meetings with workshops in various municipalities.

Gutiérrez said the proposal stemmed from an interest in consolidating the push that Governor Mara Lezama has given to the artisan sector, not only in textiles but also in wood, rattan, jewelry, and hammock weaving.

“From day one, the instruction has been that artisans be in the front row of all tourist fairs and promotional spaces for the destination,” she said.

The approved document incorporates actions already carried out by the executive branch through agencies such as the Secretariat of Economic Development and the Institute of Culture, with training, financing, and promotion programs. The law aims to avoid duplication of functions and ensure that no agency is left out of supporting artisans.

Key points include protection for products such as black coral in Cozumel, as well as the creation of a legal framework for the “Hecho en Quintana Roo” brand. This is intended to provide certainty to local producers and prevent the sale of resold items from other states.

Gutiérrez noted that there is a constantly updated registry of artisans, although not all are registered yet. She said the Institute of Culture has done outstanding work in identifying and promoting pieces, and that each craft represents a story and an effort that must be valued.

“It’s not about haggling over prices, because behind each piece there are months of work and families that depend on it,” she said.

The deputy concluded that the new law represents an important step toward giving recognition and legal backing to the artisan hands of Quintana Roo, ensuring their work has greater visibility and strengthening sales points where the authenticity of local products is guaranteed.