PROGRESO, Yucatán — A grassroots environmental movement is taking shape on the Yucatán coast. It is driven by a belief that lasting marine conservation begins in the classroom. In Progreso, a small but strategic port city on the Gulf of Mexico, a community-led initiative is bringing children, educators, scientists, and local businesses together. Their goal is to spark a deeper understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems that define the region’s way of life.
Earlier this month, the citizen group Entre Redes y Mares hosted a hands-on workshop titled “Taller Comunitario: Cuidemos de nuestros mares y nuestra fauna” (Community Workshop: Let’s Care for Our Seas and Wildlife). The event, held under the domed community center in Progreso, drew thirty-five children and a wide network of participants from the academic, fishing, and civic sectors. What made the workshop stand out was its ability to connect education with immediate, local realities. Sessions included discussions on marine species conservation and sustainable fishing. They also covered humane management of feral dogs—an issue often overlooked but increasingly relevant in coastal communities, where unregulated animal populations can disrupt wildlife and public health.
The atmosphere was informal yet purposeful. Many of the children attended as part of organized groups. However, others joined spontaneously, drawn in by the lively activity as they passed through a nearby park that was hosting a local fair. This kind of open-door engagement reinforced one of the workshop’s central goals. It aimed to make environmental awareness accessible to everyone, not just those already involved in conservation programs.
Building a Coalition for the Coast
The workshop was more than a one-off event. It reflected a growing coalition of institutions and individuals committed to environmental education in Progreso. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in Mexico, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) all contributed expertise and resources. Local actors, including the Federación de Cooperativas del Estado de Yucatán, the fishing business El Oso Marinero, and the entertainment company Juegos y Atracciones Muñoz, ensured the program stayed rooted in community priorities and realities. By blending academic authority with local knowledge, the initiative bridged a gap that often exists between conservation science and the daily lives of coastal residents.
The “Blue Classroom” Vision
Organizers see the workshop as the first chapter in a longer story. Central to that vision is the September reopening of the local library El Tesoro de las Letras. This will not be an ordinary reopening. A new space inside, called the “Aula Azul” (Blue Classroom), will be dedicated entirely to coastal and marine environmental education. UNAM has already donated 250 books to anchor the collection. More contributions are expected from other institutions and private sponsors. The room will be more than a reading space—it will function as a living classroom. Here, children can explore topics ranging from coral reef ecosystems to sustainable fishing practices, guided by educators and visiting experts.
A Model Rooted in Local Context
Progreso is uniquely suited for this type of initiative. It is situated about 35 kilometers north of Mérida. The town serves as a key fishing port, a hub for regional tourism, and the entry point to the Parque Marino Nacional Arrecife Alacranes. This coral reef system teems with biodiversity. The town’s economic and cultural identity is intertwined with the sea. Therefore, it is an ideal setting for environmental programs that connect scientific knowledge with lived experience. Here, the ocean is not an abstract concept but a daily presence—one that provides livelihoods and shapes community traditions.
This proximity to the sea also means that residents, especially young people, witness firsthand the pressures on marine ecosystems. These include overfishing, pollution, and the effects of climate change. By tailoring environmental education to the realities of Progreso, initiatives like the Aula Azul offer children not just abstract lessons but direct, tangible reasons to care for the coast.
From Grassroots to Policy Alignment
Progreso’s efforts reflect a wider trend in Yucatán and across Mexico. In June 2025, the state joined a national campaign to reduce single-use plastics and promote coastal conservation. That campaign’s launch event in Progreso brought together state and federal officials, local community leaders, and representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme. On the national stage, the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) and the Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) have signed agreements to embed environmental education at every school level. They emphasize climate literacy, Indigenous and intercultural perspectives, and practical, community-based projects. This alignment between grassroots activity and official policy gives Progreso’s model a better chance of being replicated in other parts of the country.
A Blueprint for the Future
The success of Progreso’s program could inspire similar projects in other coastal towns across Yucatán. Its strength lies in its inclusivity. By welcoming drop-in participants and valuing contributions from both scientists and local fishers, it avoids the top-down approach that often alienates communities from environmental agendas. Instead, it cultivates a sense of shared ownership, where protecting the coast becomes a collective responsibility.
The “Aula Azul” is not just a library feature; it is a symbol of a growing awareness that the future of Yucatán’s coast depends on an informed, engaged, and environmentally literate population. As these children grow into adults, the hope is that they will carry forward the lessons learned here. These lessons tie their identity to the well-being of the sea and the communities it sustains.
