An ambitious environmental initiative in Cancún has removed a staggering 17.64 tons of solid waste from the region’s famous cenotes. The massive cleanup, accomplished in just over ten days, is part of an ongoing effort by the municipal government to restore and protect the fragile underwater ecosystems that are vital to the area’s natural beauty and identity.
The effort is spearheaded by Municipal President Ana Paty Peralta as part of the “Freshwater Wetlands Sanitation and Social Integration Program.” This strategy targets the unique network of sinkholes and caves that honeycomb the Yucatán Peninsula.
“Caring for the environment is a priority,” President Peralta stated in a release on Friday. “In Benito Juárez, we take many environmental actions every day, not only for the present but also for the future of our city.”
According to the Department of Ecology, Cancún has more than 64 registered cenotes and bodies of water. The city’s program focuses its intensive cleanup efforts on 25 of these sites that are most severely impacted by pollution from solid waste and wastewater runoff.
A perfect example of this hands-on approach took place on Friday, June 6. A dedicated team descended on a water body in the urban area of Supermanzana 200. There, they removed 470 kilograms (over 1,000 pounds) of refuse. The haul included not just typical garbage but also “special handling waste” like discarded mattresses and old tires, which can leach harmful chemicals into the water.
The success of the program hinges on community collaboration. The June 6 cleanup involved a diverse group of 38 volunteers, including local residents and members of the “Water Sentinels” environmental association. They were joined by employees from private companies like the Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe Hotel, the water utility Aguakan, and tour operator Aventuras Kantun, showcasing a growing partnership between the public and private sectors. The effort was supported by personnel from the city’s Ecology, Civil Protection, and Fire Departments, as well as the state’s Ministry of Health.
Beyond the physical labor, the program also has an educational mission. Before the cleanup, volunteers received an awareness talk on the immense environmental, social, and cultural importance of the cenotes.
How Travelers Can Help Protect the Cenotes
While officials and local volunteers are making huge strides, the millions of travelers who visit Cancún each year have a critical role to play. The long-term health of these natural wonders depends on responsible tourism. Here are five specific actions you can take:
Use Only Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Standard sunscreens contain oils and chemicals like oxybenzone that wash off in the water and are toxic to the delicate aquatic life and corals that live in the cenotes. Always choose a 100% biodegradable, mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sunscreen, and apply it at least 30 minutes before swimming.
Rinse Off Before You Plunge: Many of the best-managed cenotes have showers on-site for a reason. Taking a quick rinse to wash off bug spray, lotions, perfumes, and hair products prevents these chemicals from contaminating the pure, filtered water.
Follow a “Hands-Off” Policy: The beautiful rock formations (stalactites and stalagmites) inside cenotes took thousands of years to form. The natural oils on your skin can damage them and permanently halt their growth. Never touch or hang on them. Likewise, avoid kicking up sediment from the bottom.
Leave No Trace: This is the golden rule of eco-tourism. Whatever you bring with you must leave with you. This includes cigarette butts, bottle caps, and food wrappers. There is no “away” when you throw something in the jungle.
Choose Certified Tour Operators: When booking a cenote tour, look for companies that are committed to sustainable practices. A good guide will not only show you the beauty of the site but will also educate you on its importance and enforce rules that protect it. Supporting these businesses encourages the entire industry to be more environmentally responsible.
Preserving the magic of Cancun and the Riviera Maya is a goal we all share. At The Cancun Sun, we’ll continue to provide knowledge for a sustainable future. Stay tuned to how you can help!
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