Mexico’s Isla Holbox Banning Plastics and New Construction

The small Mexican island of Isla Holbox is taking a stand by banning throwaway plastics and the construction of new properties, such as hotels, golf courses or airports.

According to Mexico News Daily, the Yum Balam management program announced Monday was put in place to assist the island as it deals with a growing population, an aging infrastructure and unauthorized development.

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Orchestrated by the Natural Protected Areas Commission (CONANP), the plan will also focus on eliminating the wastewater dumping and overflows, with chief executive Alejandro del Mazo Maza guaranteeing sustainable future development and the protection of the island’s biodiversity.

“This management program seeks to avoid disorderly urban development, new population centers, deforestation, changes to land use, the accumulation of rubbish, the introduction of exotic species that become invasive or feral and the contamination of the sea, land and aquifers that place residents, ecosystems and native species of this natural protected area at risk,” CONANP said in a statement.

In addition to the new ban on disposable plastic products, the plan will also prohibit travelers from arriving on Isla Holbox with disposable containers made out of polystyrene or any other non-biodegradable materials.

The beaches are also home to sea turtles and the water around the island is a feeding ground for whale sharks, stingrays and other marine species. Living on Isla Holbox are Jaguars, monkeys and flamingos, making it an ecological hotspot.