Puerto Morelos has every reason to celebrate! Our local Reef Rescue School has just received one of the highest honors in environmental education.
UNESCO has officially designated it as a "Blue School" for its outstanding work protecting our precious coral reef.
This incredible achievement puts our small coastal town on the world map. It recognizes what we've always known—that our community is doing something truly special.
Reef Rescue School sits right next to the stunning Puerto Morelos Reef, part of the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system.
This natural treasure is one of the world's largest coral reefs. It's home to countless sea turtles, tropical fish, and marine life that make our waters so magical.
More importantly, it protects our coastline from hurricanes and supports many local families through fishing and tourism.
What makes this school so special? Students don't just learn about the reef—they actively protect it.
They organize beach cleanups, study water quality, and learn how everyday actions affect marine life. The kids understand that throwing trash in the street means it could end up harming the coral they love.
But it's not just for the students, because the Reef Rescue School opens its doors to everyone.
Local families join snorkeling trips to see the reef up close. Many residents have experienced the underwater world for the first time through these programs. Community workshops teach neighbors how to be better ocean stewards.
This isn't just education—it's bringing our whole town together around something we all care about.
The school has faced real challenges too. Developers have pressured the community to sell the valuable beachfront land for hotels and condos.
Some wanted to build right where the school stands. But our community fought back. We proved that education and environmental protection matter more than quick profits.
The school survived because we all believed in its mission.
This UNESCO recognition means the world to us. It shows that small communities can make big differences. Local children are learning to be environmental leaders, and they're teaching the rest of us along the way.
Reef Rescue School represents the best of Puerto Morelos. We're a community that chooses to protect what we love rather than sell it.
This Blue School designation isn't just an award—it's proof that our values and hard work are making waves around the world.
For more information about the Reef Rescue School visit: ReefRescueSchool.com
