Imagine this: while you are visiting a downpour falls Cancún Mexico, the streets turn into rivers and it looks like Bonampak Avenue wants to turn into Venice. But when the storm ends, the water disappears almost as if by magic. Spoiler: it's not magic. It's wetlands, those key ecosystems that most people overlook, but that work full-time to keep your city from becoming a watery mess.
Let's be clear: wetlands are the true MVPs of the environment. Places like the Manatee Lagoon not only absorb excess water, but also help prevent severe flooding. They are like a giant sponge that nature designed to protect us.
Ok, but... what exactly are wetlands?
Wetlands are areas where water meets land, creating spaces that are hyper-rich in life. Think of them as the nature reserves of the aquatic world, home to a host of species, from exotic birds to plants that look like something out of a video game.
But here comes the plot twist: although their role is vital to the water, economic and environmental security of Cancun and Isla Mujeres, these places often end up as clandestine dumps. Yes, you read that right: garbage dumps!
When the government said: ‘This can't go on like this’.
In an attempt to protect them, on 9 August 1999, the Government of Quintana Roo declared more than 2,000 hectares as a State Flora and Fauna Refuge of the Chacmochuch Lagoon System and Manatee Lagoon. The idea was to stop the destruction caused by uncontrolled urban growth.
Even so, the wetlands continue to face gigantic threats:
Fragmentation by roads: Highways such as the intermunicipal and José López Portillo cut off the continuity of these ecosystems.
Pollution: Rubbish and waste are constantly arriving.
Invasive species: Feral fauna and exotic plants compete with native species.
Irregular settlements: Clandestine constructions that devastate the environment.
Biodiversity under threat
Behind every leaf and every puddle in the Manatee Lagoon, there is life. From migratory birds that stop over during their long journeys to fish and reptiles that find their home here. However, if we continue to ignore the importance of these ecosystems, we could lose this natural treasure forever.
World Wetlands Day: a wake-up call
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every 2 February. But it's not just about posting pretty pictures on social media. It is an opportunity to ask critical questions:
What is happening to Laguna Manatí and Chacmochuch?
What are we doing to conserve them?
What species live there and why are they important?
Why, despite their importance, do we continue to forget them?
Cancun's future is at stake
Wetlands are not only a refuge for biodiversity; they are also our line of defence against natural disasters. By conserving them, we ensure a safer and more sustainable Cancun for generations to come.
So next time you see a wetland, think twice before ignoring it. Because while you're scrolling through Instagram, they're working to keep your city from drowning.
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