Tulum Celebrates Sea Turtle Week with Conservation Pledge

Tulum, Quintana Roo — With the traditional ceremonial flag-raising, Tulum has officially launched the Ninth Annual State Sea Turtle Week, reinforcing its role as a key player in protecting this endangered species and its natural habitat. Organized by the Quintana Roo state government through the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), led by Óscar Rébora Aguilera, the initiative aims to raise awareness, promote environmental education, and strengthen community responsibility in safeguarding local beaches.

Educational Activities and a Call to Action for the Environment

The opening ceremony, held in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, brought together local authorities, representatives from civil organizations, and children from the Tulum DIF Child Development Center. Participants engaged in activities focused on environmental education and reducing plastic pollution, a central theme of 2025’s World Environment Day.

Óscar Rébora emphasized that plastic pollution remains a critical threat to marine ecosystems. He stated that the week’s events are designed to inspire concrete actions to protect sea turtles and reduce human impact on the ocean.

Xcacel-Xcacelito: A Sanctuary for Marine Life

Quintana Roo’s coastline welcomes four species of sea turtles each year—loggerhead, white, leatherback, and hawksbill—which travel thousands of miles to nest, particularly in the Xcacel-Xcacelito State Reserve, recognized as the primary nesting site in the state.

So far this season, 20 nests have been recorded in the reserve, each safeguarded through collaborative efforts involving committed citizens, conservation committees, park rangers, and public servants working together to preserve marine life.

Encouraging Results: Over 40,000 Nests Recorded in 2024

The 2024 nesting season in Quintana Roo reflects the positive impact of years of conservation efforts:

• 32,782 white turtle nests
• 4,311 loggerhead turtle nests
• 3,193 hawksbill turtle nests
• 9 leatherback turtle nests

These figures confirm that State Sea Turtle Week is not only an environmental celebration but also an urgent call for collective action toward a cleaner, more conscious, and resilient Quintana Roo.

Institutional Presence and Community Commitment

Among the attendees at the inaugural event were:

• Armando Angulo, Director of Environmental Sustainability for Tulum
• Itandehui Ramos, President of the State Committee for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles
• Javier Carballar, Director of IBANQROO
• Belia Beltrán, General Director of DIF Tulum
• Manuel Prieto, Manager of CAPA Tulum

Their participation underscores the commitment of all levels of government and society to protecting these marine reptiles.