Solidaridad Takes Bold Step to Combat Sargassum Crisis

The administration of Solidaridad, led by Lili Campos, has announced that it will no longer use unregulated sargassum dump sites located near mangroves in Playa del Carmen. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to clean up these areas, according to Samantha Álvarez Hernández, Secretary of Environment in Solidaridad.

"We are currently collaborating with the Zofemat team to clean the beaches and address this issue," said Álvarez Hernández. "This is not only an issue in the mangroves, but also on Punta Esmeralda beach where sargassum was also being collected. With the high season approaching, it's crucial to maintain clean beaches for both locals and tourists."

At the start of Campos' administration, heavy machinery was used to collect large amounts of sargassum from beach 88 to the coastal zone of the Reef Coco Bay hotel. The collected sargassum was then dumped in a site used as a parking lot by the hotel. This site, located next to the Chen Dzubul site in the Colosio neighborhood, soon became a permanent dump site as the collection of sargassum outpaced the ability to properly dispose of it.

The Chen Dzubul site, along with Punta Esmeralda, are the last remaining mangrove refuges in the city. Over the past three years, these areas have been negatively impacted by the leachates from the accumulated sargassum.

A similar situation occurred next to Punta Esmeralda, where sargassum that washed up on the shores of Playa del Carmen in 2014 and 2015 was collected. This led to the filling of a wetland at the tip of the land, which was subsequently exploited by unknown individuals who set up a seafront restaurant.

Regarding access to beach 72, which was closed due to the appearance of a sinkhole, the Ministry of the Environment in the municipality has confirmed that there are currently no plans to install a bridge. The beach and the Chen Dzubul site are national properties, and the city council does not have the authority to intervene. The area will continue to be monitored, and support will be provided for security and civil protection logistics only.