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The Organizations Dedicated to Wildlife Conservation in the Riviera Maya

14 June, 2025

The Organizations Dedicated to Wildlife Conservation in the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya, located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a natural paradise that is home to a unique biodiversity. From tropical jungles to coral reefs, this region houses a wide variety of species that face threats due to urbanization, tourism, and pollution. Fortunately, several organizations in the Riviera Maya are dedicated to the care and conservation of local wildlife, working tirelessly to protect these vital ecosystems.

 

Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México A.C. (Grupo Xcaret)

One of the most prominent organizations in the region is Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México A.C., the social and environmental arm of Grupo Xcaret. Since 1996, this organization has implemented the Sea Turtle Conservation Program in the Riviera Maya, covering 13 nesting beaches along 120 km of coastline. Thanks to their efforts, more than 12 million sea turtle hatchlings have been released into the ocean. Additionally, they participate in the protection of the red and green macaw and the conservation of various species through breeding and environmental education programs.

More information: Home - FFCM

 

 

YUUM K'ÁAX – Center for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation A.C.

YUUM K'ÁAX is a civil organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating wildlife in urban areas, especially in Playa del Carmen. Its multidisciplinary team works with biologists, veterinarians, and environmental educators to attend to injured or displaced species, promoting peaceful coexistence between wildlife and the community. They also develop educational programs to raise awareness among the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.

More information: YUUM K'ÁAX Centro de Rescate y Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre A.C.

 

 

Jaguars of the Maya Forest

The "Jaguars of the Maya Forest" program, formed by Bioconciencia and Natura Mexicana, focuses on the conservation of jaguars in the southern Maya Forest. With over 10 years of work, this initiative implements strategies to mitigate threats to jaguars and their habitat, collaborating closely with local communities to promote harmonious coexistence between people and these iconic felines.

More information: Jaguares de la Selva Maya

 

 Via Delphi Institute

The Via Delphi Institute is a civil association dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals, particularly the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Through its collaboration with UNAM, they conduct research in various lagoons of the region, contributing to the knowledge and protection of these marine species.

More information: Instituto Via Delphi - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

 

Tulum Foundation A.C.

Tulum Foundation A.C. collaborates with Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México A.C. in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program in the Riviera Maya, specifically along the central coastline of Quintana Roo. Through activities such as turtle release programs, they aim to involve the local community and tourists in the protection of these endangered species.

More information: Fundación Tulum – Educación, Cultura, Conservación

 

Tlacuatzin A.C.

Tlacuatzin A.C. is an organization that began as an environmental education project in Yucatán, focusing on the protection of jungles, coastal dunes, mangroves, caves, and cenotes. Since its registration with SEMARNAT in 2017, they have worked on conserving regional biodiversity, promoting ecological awareness, and encouraging community participation in the protection of natural environments.

More information: Tlacuatzin AC – Educar para conservar

  

 

Aak Mahahual

Aak Mahahual is an organization founded by Víctor Rosales, an environmentalist who has faced numerous challenges protecting sea turtles in Mahahual, Quintana Roo. The organization is dedicated to the conservation of these vulnerable species, facing threats such as plastic pollution and sargassum seaweed on the Caribbean beaches. They also work to raise awareness among the local community about the importance of species conservation and the need for governmental support to effectively protect these natural areas.

More information: ¿QUIÉNES SOMOS? - PROYECTO AKK MAHAHUAL

 

Sentinels of Water A.C.

Founded in 2011, Sentinels of Water A.C. is a joint initiative of the companies Alltournative and Río Secreto, focused on preserving the hydrogeological system of the Yucatán Peninsula. Among their projects, they protect caves and underground rivers, as well as clean cenotes. They have also promoted the creation of the Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, a project that aims to protect the region's marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

More information: - Centinelas del Agua

 

 Lakam Foundation

The Lakam Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and raising awareness among the population about the love and respect for the biodiversity of the Yucatán Peninsula. Through awareness-raising and community participation activities, they aim to address the exploitation of flora and fauna in the region, promoting meaningful changes in the conservation of natural ecosystems and endangered species.

More information: Fundación Lakam

 

Las Chelemeras

Las Chelemeras is a collective of Maya women involved in the restoration of the mangrove ecosystem in the Chelem area of Yucatán. Since 2010, they have worked on reforesting more than 100 hectares of mangroves, contributing to the protection of local biodiversity and strengthening resilience against climate change. Their work was recognized with the Blue Marine Foundation's Local Heroes Award in 2023.

More information: Las Chelemeras - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

 

 Conclusion

The organizations dedicated to the care of local wildlife in the Riviera Maya play a crucial role in the conservation of the region's biodiversity. Through joint efforts, research, education, and community involvement, they are working to protect the species and ecosystems that make the Riviera Maya a unique place in the world. It is essential to support and recognize their work, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

 

 

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