In a continued effort to preserve its natural environment, the municipal government of Cozumel has made significant strides in removing sargassum from the island’s beaches. As part of their commitment to environmental protection and community well-being, the administration has implemented an ongoing cleanup operation that has seen 114.4 tons of the macroalgae removed between January and March this year.
Led by Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) Director Irwin Javier Batún Alpuche, the initiative aims to minimize the effects of sargassum and maintain the island’s natural beauty. The operation, which has been in place since last October, involves a team of 51 individuals from Zofemat and the Temporary Employment Program.
The team manually collects the sargassum from Monday through Saturday, working between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This method avoids the use of heavy machinery, thus protecting the coastal ecosystem. The removed sargassum is then transported to a collection site in the southern part of the island where it is dried before being safely reintegrated into the environment.
“We are committed to ensuring that Cozumel’s beaches remain free of debris that could affect their beauty and public health,” said municipal government officials in a statement. “Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental protection and community well-being.”
The effort has focused on areas such as Punta Chiqueros Bay, on the eastern side of the island, where significant accumulations have been reported. The municipal government’s dedication to maintaining pristine beaches is a testament to its commitment to preserving the island’s natural environment for both locals and tourists.
As Cozumel continues to lead the way in sargassum cleanup efforts, it serves as an example for other communities affected by this issue. The island’s efforts demonstrate that with teamwork, determination, and responsible disposal practices, it is possible to maintain a pristine coastline while protecting the environment.
Source: 4 Horas Quintana Roo
