Background on Key Figures and Relevance
On June 9, 2025, in Tepic, Nayarit, thousands of citizens participated in a cleanup and sanitation event for the Mololoa River, led by Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero and his wife, Beatriz Estrada Martínez, the president of Nayarit’s Sistema DIF (System for Integrated Family Development).
Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, the current governor of Nayarit since 2019, has been actively promoting an environmental agenda within the state. His efforts aim to transform citizens’ consciousness regarding environmental protection, particularly focusing on the preservation of Nayarit’s ecosystems and water bodies. His commitment to environmental causes has garnered attention, making him a significant figure in the region’s conservation efforts.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico since 2018, has been championing a national environmental strategy. Her focus on sustainable development and ecological preservation has inspired state-level initiatives, including the one led by Governor Navarro Quintero. His reaffirmation of support for Sheinbaum’s national project highlights the importance of collaboration between different levels of government in addressing environmental challenges.
Event Details and Governor’s Message
The cleanup event along the Mololoa River brought together thousands of volunteers, local institutions, and concerned citizens. The objective was to raise awareness about the river’s deteriorating condition and mobilize collective action towards its restoration.
During the event, Governor Navarro Quintero emphasized the need for citizens to actively participate in protecting Nayarit’s natural resources. He urged the public to take responsibility for their waste and prevent further pollution of rivers and water bodies.
“Today, I call on you all to transform Nayarit positively. We must change ourselves, demand better, and ensure that there is no litter along riverbanks or in water bodies. We should stop defending trees that grew due to our waste, which clogs rivers and causes flooding in colonies and homes when it rains,” the governor stated during his address.
Navarro Quintero also addressed the structural causes of pollution, such as illegal discharges from unregulated businesses. He urged his team to stand firm against pressures and enforce laws to halt environmental degradation.
The governor reiterated his support for Claudia Sheinbaum’s national strategy, emphasizing Nayarit’s alignment with conviction and results:
“Let us embrace the new environmental consciousness called for by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Nayarit stands with her, committed to environmental protection and ready to achieve our goals together. With unity and shared consciousness, we will restore the Mololoa River, which is currently in a deteriorated state. Soon, we will proudly declare our success in reviving this river and preserving Nayarit’s natural resources!”
Local and National Efforts
Gerardo Leyva Álvarez, the local director of Mexico’s National Commission of Water (CONAGUA), explained that this cleanup initiative is part of the National Water Agreement. It was based on a technical assessment of the Mololoa River’s current conditions.
“To conduct this cleanup, we surveyed 73 km of the Mololoa River, identifying pollution hotspots, illegal discharges, and garbage accumulation. We will tackle these issues collectively to eliminate the problems and restore the river’s health,” Leyva Álvarez stated.
In the initial phase of the restoration project, heavy machinery was deployed to address critical areas of pollution and residue buildup, paving the way for a comprehensive restoration of the riverbed.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who organized the Mololoa River cleanup event? The event was organized by Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero and his wife, Beatriz Estrada Martínez, the president of Nayarit’s Sistema DIF.
- What is the significance of this cleanup initiative? The initiative aims to raise awareness about the Mololoa River’s deteriorating condition and mobilize collective action towards its restoration.
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, and why is her national project relevant? Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico since 2018, who has been championing a national environmental strategy. Her focus on sustainable development and ecological preservation has inspired state-level initiatives, including the one led by Governor Navarro Quintero.
- What are the main causes of pollution in the Mololoa River? The primary causes of pollution include illegal discharges from unregulated businesses and littering along riverbanks.
- What is the role of the National Commission of Water (CONAGUA) in this project? CONAGUA, represented by Gerardo Leyva Álvarez, is supporting the Mololoa River cleanup initiative as part of the National Water Agreement. They conducted a technical assessment to identify pollution hotspots and are working alongside local authorities to address these issues.
