Eco-Bahia foundation participated in the Second Mesoamerican Reef System (SAM) Festival, organized by the Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) at the Akumal Dome. This coral system stretches along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is the second largest reef system in the world, home to sea turtles, over 60 types of coral, and more than 500 endangered fish species.

Millions of tourists visit the region each year, drawn by the opportunity to dive and explore this unique ecosystem. Additionally, SAM provides essential environmental services to coastal communities, protects shorelines during storms, and supports local fisheries and tourism. Over two million people depend directly on its marine resources for their livelihoods.

The festival included the parade “Joy in the Reef,” informational tables, games, workshops, and painting activities. Children from the Hekab Be Library performed a dance, and educational talks were held, including *“The Dark Side of Plastics: A Silent Impact on Reefs”* and “Saving Our Sharks” presented by Pamela Vázquez from Saving Our Sharks.

At 7:10 PM, the puppet theater *“The Adventures of Coralito”* was presented by CEA volunteers, and the festival concluded at 7:30 PM with a closing ceremony, celebrating community participation and spreading the message of reef care.

“This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to contribute to protecting our environment. This philosophy is what we promote through the We are ecocentric movement, showing that small individual actions can achieve big goals,” concluded Yuritzi Espino.

The Second SAM Festival reinforces Eco-Bahia and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to environmental education, reef protection, and raising awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems in the Riviera Maya.