Restoring Paradise:

A Collaborative Cleanup and Circular Solution for the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking sanctuary of biodiversity. However, this paradise faces a growing crisis: plastic pollution. Due to its proximity to ocean currents, waste from cruise ships and upstream sources accumulates on its shores, threatening ecosystems, marine life, and local livelihoods.

Our project, "Restoring Paradise," is a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to address this urgent problem while creating a model for sustainable waste management. By bringing together local organizations, NGOs, governmental bodies, and engaged individuals, we’re creating an impactful solution that not only cleans up the biosphere but also ensures long-term sustainability through a circular waste model.

The Challenge:

Plastic pollution is a complex and global issue, but in Sian Ka’an, the problem is exacerbated by its location near a circular ocean current that traps and deposits waste on its pristine shores. This garbage threatens marine life, disrupts habitats, and poses economic challenges for local communities relying on tourism and fishing.

1.Convening Stakeholders

We brought together diverse voices, from local conservation groups to global organizations, to align on the goals of the project. These initial discussions set the foundation for collaboration and long-term planning.

Steps Taken to Drive Change…

4.Coordinating On-the-Ground Efforts:

We worked closely with local organizations to organize cleanup logistics, including volunteer coordination, waste sorting, and transportation to recycling facilities.

5.Documenting the Story

Our team of filmmakers and storytellers captured the cleanup process, sharing stories from local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the problem and highlight the collaborative solution.

2.Identifying EOL Solutions for Plastics

Partnering with recycling facilities, we ensured that collected plastics would be processed into new materials, such as PET for textiles, embracing circularity.

3.Advocating for Policy Change

o amplify the impact, we initiated a letter-writing campaign encouraging citizens and tourists to contact local and provincial elected officials. This effort aims to secure economic support for ongoing cleanup efforts and advocate for sustainable waste management policies.

Our Partners

  • Ocean Conservancy

    Global leader in marine conservation

  • Amigos De Sian'Kaan

    Local advocate for biosphere preservation.

  • Community Members

    Actively participating in the cleanup and spreading awareness

  • Plastic Recycling Facility

    Anonymous

Progress to Date.

Our local recycling facility plays a crucial role in ensuring the plastics collected during the cleanup are handled responsibly. They will assist with the transportation of sorted plastics from the biosphere to their facility, where the materials will be processed and repurposed into new products, supporting a circular waste model and reducing landfill dependency.

Plastic Collection progress

Collective Impact

Anticipated Impact and Results

Tangible Cleanup Success

Removal of large volumes of plastic waste from Sian Ka’an’s shores.

Educational Outreach

A documentary project to inspire global audiences to take action

Policy Momentum

A growing push for systematic change through citizen advocacy

Sustainability in Action

EOL solutions that transformed collected plastics into useful products, creating a model for future cleanups

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