In Mexico, the possibility of establishing the country's first marine cemetery, called "MARE, Sanctuary of the Sea," is being considered. This innovative ecological project seeks to offer an alternative final resting place for human ashes while also contributing to the restoration of marine ecosystems. This marine cemetery would be located in the Bay of Women, between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, on the coast of the Mexican Caribbean, in Quintana Roo.
The project includes the installation of 997 underwater niches at a depth of up to three meters. Human ashes would be integrated into "Reef Balls," concrete structures designed to function as artificial reefs, with the goal of fostering marine biodiversity.
Representatives from the company Capillas y Cementerios del Norte are promoting this initiative, which has the support of important players in the local tourism sector. Francisco Fernández Millán, president of the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo, highlighted the importance of this project as a contribution to nautical tourism and marine conservation, positioning the region at the forefront of ecological conservation and sustainable tourism.
Currently, the project is under evaluation by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) through its General Directorate of Environmental Impact and Risk (Dgira). If approved, this marine cemetery will operate under the regulations of the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) and the provisions related to Environmental Impact Assessment.
In Mexico, the disposal of ashes in marine waters is regulated by the Navy Secretariat (Semar), while in fresh waters, such as lagoons or cenotes, it is Conagua's responsibility to grant authorization for such practices due to their potential environmental impact. Authorities, tourism service providers, and environmentalists hope that this project will become a replicable model in other coastal areas of the country, combining respect for human memory with ecological restoration.
