Every June 8, World Oceans Day remembers the importance of protecting ecosystems that produce more than half of the planet’s oxygen and sustain the lives of millions of people. In a context marked by climate change, plastic pollution and the loss of marine biodiversity, the tourism sector faces the challenge of demonstrating that economic development can be compatible with environmental conservation.
That is the model that Iberostar is betting on, a hotel chain born in Mallorca and closely linked to the sea since its origins. With a presence in 14 international destinations and a large part of its establishments located on the beachfront, the company has made the protection of the oceans one of the pillars of its sustainability strategy.
“At a global level, Iberostar stands out for responsible tourism with the purpose of leaving the environment better than it was found,” explains Mirian Reza, head of Destination Management in Mexico. “We work in collaboration with local communities and approximately 85% of our environmental projects are related to the sea,” she added.
One of the most notable examples is found in the Riviera Maya, where the company operates 12 hotels and develops initiatives that range from the restoration of coral reefs to the conservation of mangroves, cenotes, coastal dunes and protected species.
Science to save the reefs
Coral reefs are home to about 25% of all marine biodiversity, despite occupying less than 1% of the ocean surface. However, rising water temperatures, storms and pollution threaten their survival.
To face this challenge, Iberostar is promoting the Coral Lab program in Mexico, started in 2017 and focused on genetic research, reproduction and restoration of corals from the laboratory.
“Reproduction on land has better structures, adaptation of corals to stress and treatment of diseases. Through genetic research, it was possible to determine which gene is responsible for growth and preventing them from getting sick,” says Johanna Calle, Iberostar Science Coordinator.
Laboratories in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica research species resistant to heat stress and diseases. Thanks to these studies, genetic characteristics have been identified that favor the growth and resistance of certain corals, allowing more robust specimens to be reproduced to restore degraded ecosystems.
In the Riviera Maya there are currently 12 areas of coral colonies that are part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, the second largest in the world and which extends along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. In 2025, the Mexican program achieved a success rate of 89.3% in its restoration efforts.
Mangroves and dunes against climate change
Protecting the oceans also begins on land. Mangroves and coastal dunes are natural barriers against hurricanes, storms and erosion.
“Mangroves function as natural water treatment plants, capturing large amounts of carbon and stabilizing the coasts,” explains Ariadna León, coordinator of Nature-Based Solutions Projects.
In Cozumel, Iberostar develops progressive elimination of invasive species and reforestation with native vegetation. One of its hotels has already managed to become a space free of invasive plants.
The project includes the recovery of species typical of coastal ecosystems, such as beach lilies, sea grapes and beach oregano, essential to fix the sand and reduce erosion.
A nursery to recover biodiversity
The island of Cozumel is also home to one of the company’s most emblematic projects: a nursery dedicated to the reproduction of native plant species.
The project works together with environmental organizations and local authorities, and includes beach cleaning days, ecological restoration and environmental education.
The protection of fauna is another priority axis. on the island Night brigades are carried out to monitor and protect sea turtle nests in the Cozumel natural sanctuary, in addition to actions to preserve endemic species such as the Cozumel emerald hummingbird and the white-headed dove.
Circular economy and waste reduction
Iberostar’s environmental strategy also seeks to transform hotel operations. Since 2020, the company has eliminated single-use plastics and largely replaced them with reusable glass packaging.
In addition, it has specialized equipment in separation, composting and reuse of waste within a strategy aligned with its circular economy objective for 2030.
In Mexico, some establishments run on electricity from clean sources and have water treatment systems. The chain also uses artificial intelligence to reduce food waste and maintains alliances with small local producers to reuse organic waste.
According to company data, its “Wave of Change” environmental program has allowed remove more than 3.2 tons of waste in cleaning actions carried out in their different destinations.
“We want to demonstrate that tourism can generate economic prosperity, strengthen communities and at the same time protect ecosystems,” concludes Mirian Reza.
On the eve of World Oceans Day, Iberostar’s experience in the Mexican Caribbean shows how science, community participation and sustainability can become allies to preserve some of the most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems on the planet.