Strengthening Environmental Collaboration in Quintana Roo
In an effort to solidify their commitment to addressing pressing environmental matters in Quintana Roo, Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa and Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, the Secretary of the National Environment and Natural Resources Commission (SEMARNAT), led a working meeting with state government officials.
Key Points from the Meeting
- Bárcena Ibarra proposed the creation of a Sargazo Circular Economy Park in Quintana Roo to engage all stakeholders producing sargasso derivatives, stating it could solve not only Quintana Roo’s but also the Caribbean’s sargasso issues.
- Bárcena Ibarra confirmed Quintana Roo’s invitation as a special guest to the National Sustainable Tourism Table due to its progress in tourism sustainability and the proposal to make Holbox the first plastic-free island, which will be replicated nationally.
Lezama Espinosa emphasized the importance of environmental protection for Quintana Roo, as its residents rely on tourism driven by natural beauty, sun, sea, sand, jungles, cenotes, and adventure attractions.
Agreed Upon Actions
- Establish technical follow-up mechanisms and interinstitutional working tables to advance on topics such as comprehensive waste management, sargasso management, beach recovery, ecological zoning, institutional capacity strengthening, and environmental impact assessments of strategic projects.
- Enhance institutional coordination in high-priority environmental zones, including Holbox for comprehensive waste management, Isla Blanca’s ecological zoning, environmental impact assessments of strategic projects in Tulum and other municipalities with unique characteristics.
The meeting also strengthened collaboration with SEMAR, SEDETUR, and SEMARNAT.
Key Figures Involved
- Ángel Rivero Palomo, Governor’s Personal Secretary
- Óscar Alberto Rébora Aguilera, Secretary of Ecology and Environment
- Carlos Flores Hidalgo, General Director of Quintana Roo’s Strategic Projects Agency
- Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Secretary of Tourism
- José Alberto Alonso Ovando, Secretary of Sustainable Urban Territorial Development
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of discussion? The creation of a Sargazo Circular Economy Park in Quintana Roo and enhancing environmental collaboration.
- Who attended the meeting? Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, Secretary Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, and various state government officials.
- What are the proposed actions? Establish technical follow-up mechanisms, interinstitutional working tables, and enhance institutional coordination in high-priority environmental zones.
- Why is this collaboration important? Quintana Roo’s economy heavily relies on tourism driven by its natural beauty, making environmental protection a priority.
