The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) announced that the reefs and beaches of Quintana Roo are now covered by a hurricane insurance policy, the first of its kind.
The policy is provided by Afirme Seguros and is designed to generate funds to repair damage caused by hurricanes.
This move is considered both innovative and strategic, as it recognizes the essential value of natural ecosystems—not just for the environment, but also for the economy and community wellbeing. It also acknowledges the real risks these ecosystems face and the urgent need to protect them.
Coral reefs are vital to Quintana Roo’s tourism industry. They offer natural coastal protection from storms, help reduce beach erosion, produce the iconic white sand, and attract over a million divers and snorkelers every year.
While reefs face multiple threats, hurricanes represent one of the most extreme. For instance, a Category 5 storm can wipe out up to 60% of live coral coverage and cause serious structural damage—in just a matter of hours.
Conanp explained that this new insurance policy from Afirme Seguros ensures that funding is available to restore the reefs after a storm. This helps minimize losses not only to the local economy but also to the reefs’ ability to protect coastal areas.
As part of this initiative, The Nature Conservancy, Conanp, and the Regional Center for Aquaculture and Fisheries Research (CRIAP) will train new "Reef Guardians"—skilled individuals who specialize in reef rehabilitation. The program will expand in Isla Mujeres, bringing the total number of trained Reef Guardians in the region to 60.
Source: MVSNoticias