The government in Playa del Carmen has set out on the giant task to stop the waves of sargassum arriving at the Mexican Caribbean coasts. Â Alfredo Arellano, director of the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment informed of the installation of anti-sargassum barriers along the Playa del Carmen coast. The government of Quintana Roo brought forward this initiative. They plan to add these barriers along 27 kilometers of the Mexican Caribbean.
Over the past year unexpected amounts of sargassum have arrived in beaches throughout the region. It´s something many tourists complained about. It has also baffled scientists around the world who cannot pinpoint an exact reason for these phenomenon. It is evident, regardless, that the main reason for it is over-fishing and global warming. However, even with this slight inconvenience, tourist figures increased 7.3 per cent in comparison to last year just over the summer season.
Eco-Friendly Barriers to Stop Sargassum
Until authorities can bring sargassum under control, these efforts will help keep cleaner beaches. At a conference carried out at the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, Arellano expressed that these barriers will help control the algae much better and keep the beaches clean for better enjoyment. Although authorities put forward efforts to have a constant clean up of sargassum, it started to decompose leaving an unwelcome smell. It also ruined the picture-perfect image of the Riviera Maya on international media.
Installing the barriers is not the whole contingency plan. Hard manual and machine work needs to be put forth, as well, to clean up what has already arrived on the beaches while the barriers are being set in place. Thankfully, the Quintana Roo government launched a campaign inviting volunteers and companies to participate in beach clean ups to remove sargassum. This initiative consisted in groups cleaning 1.6 kilometers of beach.
Officials set up a pilot test of the barrier along 100 meters and monitored it during 24 hours. So far, they have reported it has been successful. Additionally, the material with which these barriers will be made is made is eco-friendly. This goes in tune with today’s eco-conscious generations. The material is meant to last 5 years. Moreover, it will not affect marine life nor cause environmental issues.
Investors Don’t Need to Worry About their Vacation Rentals
With this first step towards controlling this natural occurrence, investors can rest easy as to how sargassum could affect their vacation rentals. As stated before, however, numbers have continued to increase when it comes to tourism and occupancy rate. But this clean up will definitely give a new edge and advantage to vacation rentals.
And if you´re just deciding whether to purchase a vacation rental or not – now is the time to do it! With these type of proactive projects, the Riviera Maya is constantly moving forward in its eco-friendly trends. Check out the many ecological properties and developments we have for you.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!