Tulum Cenote Cleanup Reveals Shocking Pollution Problem

A cleanup operation at the Aldea Zamá cenote, often referred to as “Cenote Chivero”, in Tulum resulted in the removal of one and a half tons of garbage last Sunday. The cleanup was a joint effort involving the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), the Directorate of Environmental Sustainability, and various local groups including "Tulum Circula", "Water Sentinels" and "Bioferia Tulum". Students from CECyTE and the University of Tulum also participated.

This operation is part of a broader initiative, the "Cenote Rescue Operation" program, which aims to restore the purity of regional water bodies and encourage the protection of natural resources. However, the vast amount of waste uncovered during the cleanup highlighted the severe pollution these ecosystems are facing.

The waste retrieved included plastics, glass, clothing, cigarette butts, cans, condoms, and even more unusual items such as a dildo. The organizers expressed serious concern about the state of the cenote and the amount of accumulated garbage, which poses a threat to the local biodiversity and water quality.

Armando Angulo Cáceres, a coordinator of the initiative, emphasized the need for ongoing cleanup efforts in other Tulum water bodies. He also stressed the importance of community involvement in environmental preservation and pollution prevention. "These spaces are not just life sources, but also part of Tulum's natural heritage. We can't allow them to become garbage dumps," Cáceres stated.

The organizers plan to continue cleanup efforts in cenotes and other natural areas in the coming weeks, hoping to engage more volunteers and make a positive impact on the ecosystem. They also urged both visitors and residents to respect these spaces and refrain from littering, to protect the local flora and fauna.