RCI-Royal Caribbean International has entered into a strategic partnership with the MARES Center to support the restoration and preservation of coastal ecosystems in Mahahual (Costa Maya / Quintana Roo, Mexico). This initiative aligns with Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future vision, which prioritizes sustainable tourism, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
As part of the collaboration, Royal Caribbean is allocating US$50,000 to fund a restoration project focused on mangroves, coastal dunes, and seagrass meadows - key ecosystems that contribute to marine biodiversity, shoreline protection, and coral reef health. The project aims to rehabilitate 20 hectares of critical habitat through hydrological flow restoration, native species replanting, and conservation efforts. Local residents will play an integral role in the initiative, with employment opportunities and direct involvement in ecosystem rehabilitation.
In addition to ecological restoration, the partnership emphasizes community engagement through environmental education and skills training. Interactive workshops will educate children, residents, and business sector employees on conservation practices, while a dedicated training program will provide local women with diving and marine restoration skills, expanding their opportunities in eco-tourism and sustainability-focused careers.
Implementation of the project is scheduled to begin in 2025, following ecological assessments and preparatory work. Royal Caribbean and the MARES Center plan to provide updates on progress and impact throughout the year.
This initiative builds upon Royal Caribbean’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, which dates back over 3 decades to the introduction of its Save the Waves recycling program and the appointment of the first Environmental Officer aboard a cruise ship. The company continues to advance environmental innovation through energy efficiency measures, optimized water treatment processes, and waste reduction strategies. As part of its broader sustainability goals, Royal Caribbean remains committed to its Destination Net Zero initiative, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Through its collaboration with the MARES Center, Royal Caribbean reinforces its commitment to responsible tourism, integrating ecological restoration with community-driven conservation efforts to create lasting environmental and economic benefits.