Each year, the beaches of Tulum become a vital nesting ground for thousands of marine turtles, a natural spectacle that highlights the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems. In response to this annual event, the municipal government of Tulum—led by Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo—has partnered with environmental organizations, hotels, and civil society to launch an extensive conservation program along more than 80 kilometers of coastline.
As part of this effort, eight dedicated protection camps have been installed. These camps serve as monitoring points for turtle nesting activity, helping to ensure that the eggs and hatchlings are kept safe from threats such as poaching, predators, and human interference. The initiative involves collaboration with renowned organizations like Flora Fauna y Cultura de México, Centro Ecológico Akumal, Fundación Ecobahia, Amigos Bahía Soliman, Save Akumal, and government agencies such as CONANP.
A key element of the program is education. Over 300 people—mainly tourism workers and members of the local business community—have participated in awareness workshops. These sessions prepare them to identify turtle nests and alert authorities to any suspicious activity. This shared responsibility empowers the local community to act as guardians of the beach and protect the turtles that return here year after year.
The program also includes a strong call to action: disturbing turtle nests or stealing eggs is a criminal offense. Authorities encourage residents and visitors alike to report any incidents by dialing 911. According to Armando Angulo, Tulum’s Director of Sustainability, community participation is essential. “Tulum is the municipality in Quintana Roo with the highest number of turtle arrivals. That brings with it a great responsibility—one we must all share,” he emphasized.
This initiative reflects Tulum’s growing role as a leader in sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. Protecting marine turtles is not only a moral and ecological duty—it’s also a way to preserve the natural beauty that makes Tulum such a special destination.
