Introduction to the Importance of Mexico’s Beaches
Mexico’s beaches are among the most popular destinations for relaxation and escaping daily routines, especially for city dwellers who often crowd these coastal spots with minimal provocation.
Historical Perspective on Beaches
Historically, seas and coasts were perceived as dangerous places associated with misfortunes, shipwrecks, and even the lair of menacing monsters. However, this perception shifted in the late 18th century with the introduction of seawater, salt, and algae treatments (talasoterapia) to address various ailments afflicting European populations.
The Rise of Beaches as Symbols of Leisure
With the growing influence of advertising, beaches became synonymous with pleasure and leisure. Unfortunately, they have also become targets for the worst human practices linked to tourism, both from those who build on them and those who visit them.
The Impact of Over-Tourism on Mexican Beaches
In regions like Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán, over-tourism has led to an invasion of developers and careless investors seeking maximum profit with minimal effort, leaving behind a trail of destruction and degradation.
- Beach access is now restricted to paying customers.
- Waste and discharge are carelessly left in these once pristine locations.
Inland Sources of Beach Deterioration
Apart from over-tourism, other factors contributing to beach degradation originate from land-based sources:
- Untreated sewage discharge through rivers and streams.
- Plastic waste carried by rivers or ocean currents, including debris from cruise ships.
Global Plastic Pollution
An estimated 13 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, equivalent to a garbage truck dumping its load into the sea every minute.
What Can Be Done?
Reduce Plastic Waste:
The most crucial step is to minimize plastic waste generation, primarily by eliminating single-use plastics from our lives. This simple action would significantly reduce marine species ingesting plastic, decrease microplastic accumulation in humans, and lessen exposure to toxic substances.
Author’s Background
*The author is the Undersecretary of Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration at Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
