“Unite for Conservation: Saving Our Home Together”

Quintana Roo stands as a shining example of community unity in environmental conservation. The protection efforts for local wildlife such as the turtles of Xcacel-Xcacelito, the Tajamar mangroves, and the sharks are a testament to this unity. However, our decades-long commitment to safeguarding beaches, wolves, whales, forests, butterflies, and water sources often go unnoticed. Today, we are blamed for the very indifference that has overlooked our efforts.

Historically, we’ve rallied together in the face of major disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. These crises have brought neighbors and entire cities together, showcasing our strength as a nation. We must recognize that we are currently facing another major catastrophe – environmental degradation.

Environmental groups across the country are fighting this battle, achieving small but critical victories despite the societal indifference that often goes unnoticed by the media. This indifference has led to the arrogant question, “Where were you when…?”.

Quintana Roo’s citizens have shown that unity can lead to significant conservation efforts. Notably, the work done to protect the Bull Shark in Playa del Carmen deserves mention. A research initiative was launched into this species and its breeding grounds, which I had the privilege to coordinate. This has now become a world-leading activity in diving with these sharks.

The time for indifference has passed. This is not about prevention anymore, but a rescue mission that requires everyone’s participation. Future generations will undoubtedly question our actions, asking, “What were our parents thinking? Why didn’t they act when they had the chance?”. They will know the answer – we were victims of demagoguery, hypocrisy, greed, ignorance, and the divisions we created among ourselves.

As a citizen, a father, a cave diver, an environmental defender, and a member of Selvame del Tren, I urge every Mexican to defend their home using the resources available to them. It’s important to note that the resources available to leaders like Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary Alicia Barcenas are vast, perhaps the greatest in the history of this country. We implore them to join us, to use these resources wisely for the benefit of Mexico and the world.