Mother Earth calls us at every moment. We just need to listen.
No matter where you are on the planet, every place has its own voice, its own story. In Tulum and Akumal, nature speaks through the murmur of the waves, the whisper of leaves in the jungle, and the slow journey of turtles returning to shore to nest. But that voice is fading.
## **Tulum and the Impact of Tourism**
Tulum has become a major tourist destination, receiving nearly **2 million visitors a year**, despite having a population of approximately **46,000 inhabitants**. Tourism is the economic engine of the region, with more than **90% of the population** directly dependent on this industry.
One of the main attractions is the **Tulum Archaeological Zone**, which receives more than **900,000 visitors** annually, most of them foreign. However, this rapid growth has also led to significant environmental impacts: pollution, resource overexploitation, and damage to local ecosystems.
Real estate development is advancing rapidly, privatizing beach access, devouring the jungle, and displacing entire ecosystems.
Being a tourist requires taking real responsibility. You may think that by simply taking care of the places you visit, you’re doing your part—but today, that is not enough.
I have traveled to many places and always hear the same comment: *“How beautiful, but how dirty everything is.”* Well, **wake up!** It's not enough to point out the problem. **It’s time to be part of the solution. It doesn’t matter who made the mess. Before we arrived, these places were pristine and perfect without us. Let’s wake up: we are part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution.**
## **Green Footprint: Earth Guardians in Action**
Imagine if every person walking along the beach, the town, or the jungle carried a small bag. It’s not a monumental effort, it doesn’t require planning or formal commitment. Simply picking up a few pieces of litter along the way can make a huge impact.
This is the kind of change we want to inspire. It’s not just about joining volunteer campaigns but about turning environmental responsibility into a lifestyle, a conscious way to explore and connect with the world.
### **How Can You Be Part of the Change?**
✅ **Always carry a bag with you.** You don’t need to be part of an organization to make a difference. Pick up litter when you see it.
✅ **Leave no trace:** Pick up your trash, and if you see litter on the beach, pick that up too.
✅ **Lend a hand to local initiatives:** Join beach cleanups, reforestation projects, and conservation programs.
✅ **Support sustainable businesses:** Choose accommodations and restaurants committed to sustainability.
✅ **Spread the message:** Share your commitment on social media and inspire others to do the same.
Below, we share a list of organizations and activities in Tulum and Akumal where you can contribute your time and energy.
## **Discover Environmental Volunteering in Tulum and Akumal**
### **1. Sea Turtle Conservation in Tulum and Akumal** 🐢
Each year, hundreds of sea turtles arrive on these shores to nest. You can help protect them:
🔹 **Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México A.C.** – Coordinates the *Sea Turtle Conservation Program* in the Riviera Maya. Volunteers participate in night patrols, nest monitoring, and hatchling releases. Season: May to October. **Contact:** [sumate1@florafaunaycultura.org](mailto:sumate1@florafaunaycultura.org)
🔹 **Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA)** – Runs a turtle camp where volunteers help protect turtles and monitor nesting beaches. **Visit their website for application details.**
### **2. Beach Cleanup and Waste Management** 🌊♻️
Tulum and Akumal face a serious pollution problem from plastics and waste. Here are some ways you can help:
🔹 **Tulum Circula A.C.** – Organizes cleanup events and manages a recycling center in Colonia La Veleta. **Contact:** +52 984 143 6683.
🔹 **Fundación TUSERES** – Coordinates large-scale cleanups with other institutions. **Follow them on Instagram:** [@fundaciontuseres](https://www.instagram.com/fundaciontuseres).
🔹 **International Coastal Cleanup Day** – An annual event where hundreds of volunteers remove tons of waste from the sea. Stay tuned to social media to join in.
### **3. Reforestation and Community Nurseries** 🌱
If you are passionate about restoring natural ecosystems, here are some opportunities:
🔹 **“Reforesting Tulum” Program** – Organized by the Tulum Municipality. Follow their calls for action on social media.
🔹 **Riviera Maya Forestry Nursery** – Produces native plants for reforestation. **Volunteer days:** Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the morning. **Contact:** [sumate1@florafaunaycultura.org](mailto:sumate1@florafaunaycultura.org)
### **4. Environmental Education and Community Projects** 🌎
Share knowledge and raise awareness by joining these programs:
🔹 **EcoLudoteca “La Ceiba” (Tulum)** – An educational space offering environmental workshops for children and families. **Location:** Cancha Maya de Tulum.
🔹 **Centinelas del Agua A.C.** – Protects the Yucatán Peninsula aquifer through cenote cleanups, mangrove restoration, and environmental education. **Contact:** [voluntarios@centinelasdelagua.org](mailto:voluntarios@centinelasdelagua.org)
### **5. Festivals and Events with a Cause** 🎭🌿
Art, music, and ecology go hand in hand at events like:
🔹 **Art With Me Tulum** and **Day Zero** – Include environmental actions such as beach cleanups before and after the events.
🔹 **Turtle Hatchling Releases** – Some eco-friendly hotels organize the release of baby turtles under the guidance of marine biologists. Participate and learn more about conservation efforts.
## **Are You Ready to Be Part of the Change?**
More than ever, conscious tourism is a powerful tool for transformation. It is not enough to marvel at the world’s beauty—we must protect it. **Be the change.**
Write to us if you need more information or if you have already participated in one of these initiatives. We would love to hear about your experience!