Shape Future Eco-Leaders: Children’s Environmental Congress in Cozumel

The Parks and Museums Foundation continues its mission of fostering environmentally conscious generations through the "Children's Congress on the Environment."

The latest edition of this event, which brings together the children of Cozumel to care for nature, has successfully concluded. For 30 years, the Children's Congress for the Environment, organized by the Parks and Museums Foundation of Cozumel (FPMC), has made a significant impact on the generations that have participated. It has become a cornerstone for the environmental education of local children, transforming them into more aware and committed adults in environmental care.

As part of the New Agreement for the Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo, led by Governor Mara Lezama, the FPMC promotes education and environmental conservation among children. This commitment aims to foster environmental awareness and shape generations more sensitive to the importance of protecting nature.

During the congress, children aged 10 to 12 participated in conferences, workshops, and roundtable discussions designed to pique their interest and knowledge on critical topics for nature conservation. On the second day, roundtables were held at the Center for Conservation and Environmental Education, addressing essential topics for the island of Cozumel.

The roundtables covered a variety of topics, including "The Importance of Cozumel's ANP's" by Mtra. Itzel Arista from CONANP, "Plastics on the Beach" with Mtra. Cristina Mota from IXPALBARCO, and "The Mushrooms of Cozumel" with Biologist Yazlin Marrufo from the Cha'an Ka'an Planetarium. Other topics included "The Geology of Cozumel Island" by Geologist Enrique Benavides and "Sharks and Rays as Health Indicators in Reefs" presented by members of Ocean Research.

Alejandro Marchán Payán, the general director of the FPMC, expressed gratitude for the experts who contributed to this edition of the congress. He commended the dedication of the organizers and congratulated the young participants, who pledged to be ambassadors of conservation and environmental improvement in their schools and families.

At the conclusion of the Children's Congress for the Environment, Payán reaffirmed the institution's commitment to continue working on the environmental education of new generations. He emphasized that events like this congress serve as a platform to shape responsible adults who understand the importance of preserving the island's ecosystems.