PNCOIMPCyPN and ScubaCaribe Initiate ‘Coribbean Reefs Project’: A Reef Restoration Project in Cancun
Cancun, Mexico – April 11, 2025 — The commitment to the conservation of Mexico’s coral reefs has taken an essential step with the official signing of an agreement between the National Park of the Western Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc (PNCOIMPCyPN) and ScubaCaribe to start Coribbean Reefs Project, a joint initiative aimed at restoring, protecting, and promoting the health of marine ecosystems in one of the most iconic protected natural areas of the Mexican Caribbean.
The signing ceremony occurred last Friday, April 11, at ScubaCaribe facilities in the Riu Caribe hotel. Key representatives from both organizations participated: David González, Operations Manager, and Héctor Distefano, Operations Director of ScubaCaribe Cancun, along with Elías Caamal, Operational Coordinator of the National Park, and Arturo González, Director of the National Parks in Cancún and Isla Mujeres.
A commitment to the ocean
This agreement begins a coordinated effort between the private sector and Mexican environmental authorities to restore critical habitats, reduce negative tourist impacts, and educate the local community and visitors about the importance of coral reefs.
As one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations, it has experienced the progressive deterioration of its marine ecosystems. With over 10 years of operation in the region, ScubaCaribe has witnessed this transformation, prompting its decision to act proactively and responsibly.
This new project aims to replicate the success of processes previously implemented by PNCOIMPCyPN, supporting the conservation strategies that the institution is already carrying out through our team to strengthen its restoration project, in addition to implementing some initiatives that have been carried out in destinations such as the Maldives and the Dominican Republic, to raise awareness among the local and tourist community, while adapting these marine conservation strategies to the ecological, social, and regulatory context of Mexico.
Key aspects of the Coribbean Reefs Project
- Synergy and collaboration: The project’s essence lies in jointly developing a coral reef conservation and restoration program within the areas of the National Park of the Western Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún, and Punta Nizuc. This collaborative work will enable the implementation of solutions aligned with environmental regulations and best scientific practices.
- Specialized training: ScubaCaribe will train its operational staff with the technical support of PNCOIMPCyPN, ensuring they possess the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to participate in coral nursery maintenance and subsequent ecological monitoring.
- Ongoing maintenance: The team will be responsible for the preventive and corrective maintenance of coral confinement systems (nurseries) and conducting active restoration actions sustained over time, in coordination with the park authorities.
- Environmental communication and social media: A fundamental part of the project will involve publishing results through social media, a website, and graphic materials that raise awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems, their role in environmental balance, and the project’s progress.
The team behind the project
An initiative of this magnitude is only possible thanks to the joint effort of a multidisciplinary team committed to the sea:
- Arturo González – Director of the National Park in Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
- Elias Caamal – Operational Coordinator at the National Park
- Roberto Ibarra – Restoration Coordinator and Trainer, affectionately known as “The Dad of the Fragments”
- Eduardo Navarro – Brigade Coordinator
- Valeria Rivera Caro – Communication and Environmental Education
- Héctor Distefano – Operations Director of ScubaCaribe Cancun.
- David González – Operations Manager of ScubaCaribe.
- Mauricio M. Clorio – Dive Team Leader of ScubaCaribe Cancun.
- Patricia Erustes – Director of Corporate Marketing at TCM Group.
- Johana Navarro – Social Media & Influencer Manager at ScubaCaribe.
The project logo: visual identity with purpose
The Coribbean Reefs Project logo is a carefully designed visual representation that reflects the values and mission of this collaboration.
- Coral design: Inspired by the shape of Acropora palmata coral, an iconic species from the Caribbean, the logo symbolizes both marine life and the urgency of its protection.
- Collaborative color palette: It integrates the distinctive colors of both brands: the deep blue of ScubaCaribe, the green representing the nature of PNCOIMPCyPN, and the orange symbolizing the vibrant tone of the coral and the park’s logo.
- Dual typography: In the center, a modern and minimalist sans serif font is used for the project name, Coribbean Reefs Project. Below, a classic serif font offers visual contrast for the text, Collaboration PNCOIMPCyPN & ScubaCaribe, reflecting professionalism and institutional strength.
- Stylized reef: The upper section of the logo illustrates an abstract reef where the ocean and marine life merge, symbolizing the ecosystem intended to be protected.
The future of the Mexican Caribbean under one cause
With this agreement, both entities commit to collaborating on identifying priority restoration areas, training operational and tourism staff, monitoring ecological progress, and raising awareness through educational campaigns.
The Coribbean Reefs Project is not only a conservation strategy but also a model of sustainable collaboration between the tourism sector and environmental authorities. It aims to ensure that future generations can continue to be amazed by the Caribbean’s natural treasures.
“Our oceans give us so much daily… now it’s our turn to give something back. Let’s protect what we love together.”
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