Mayor of Playa del Carmen Leads Beach Preservation Efforts

Estefanía Mercado, the mayor of Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, emphasized the importance of beach cleanliness and preservation during a recent donation of tools and equipment to the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) staff at Pelícanos beach. The mayor stressed that maintaining clean, sargassum-free beaches is a community-wide effort that extends beyond aesthetics.

"The task of caring for and preserving our coastlines is a commitment from our community and it is also a commitment to our future," said Mayor Mercado. She made these remarks while appointing Samantha Álvarez Hernández as the Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change and Irving Rafael Lili Madrigal as the head of Zofemat.

Mayor Mercado also highlighted the upcoming challenges, with projections suggesting that over the next three months, 833 tons of sargassum is expected to reach the coastal strip of Solidaridad. In order to tackle this, she emphasized the importance of equipping the team responsible for daily beach cleanups.

"This is not only a matter of handing over work materials, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to caring for the environment and for the people of Solidaridad," she said. The mayor underscored the significance of preserving the beaches as part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

"These actions not only benefit those who visit us, but also every person in Solidaridad who enjoys the natural beauty of our coasts," added Mayor Mercado. With the donation of cleaning tools and equipment to Zofemat workers, the Solidaridad Government is taking a decisive step towards protecting one of the municipality's most valuable assets.

"The beaches are not only the economic engine due to their tourist attraction, but they are also the heart of our municipality," she stated. Mayor Mercado, accompanied by councilors, delivered over 500 cleaning tools and pieces of equipment, including wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, pitchforks, dustpans, a chainsaw, vests, and flags.

Zofemat's director, Irving Rafael Lili Madrigal, expressed his gratitude for the donated materials and reaffirmed his commitment to work with Mayor Mercado towards a prosperous future for all.