● Grupo Xcaret’s coral laboratory maintains 350 coral fragments in specialized marine modules and employs assisted sexual reproduction techniques.
Mexico City, November 26, 2025. — Grupo Xcaret has received official certification from the Latin American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (ALPZA) for its Coral Conservation Program. This distinction is awarded to institutions that meet the highest standards in conservation, animal welfare, sustainability, research, and environmental education. This recognition establishes the group’s coral laboratory as one of the most advanced conservation projects in the region.
Grupo Xcaret’s ALPZA-certified conservation program stands out for its specialized infrastructure and the use of assisted sexual reproduction techniques for various coral species. These include Acropora palmata, a species considered a priority for Mexico due to its essential role in reef formation and its active contribution to the resilience of Caribbean Sea reefs. Located at Xcaret Park, the laboratory features the necessary equipment and strategic areas for the project’s execution, such as a quarantine zone for treating diseased corals and an assisted recovery module where their health and reproductive activity are continuously monitored.
As part of the conservation process, corals in the laboratory are kept under observation, with their health carefully managed. Some are transferred to in-sea structures—essentially a coral nursery—where 350 fragments grow under strictly controlled monitoring that fosters their adaptation and development in completely natural conditions.
“Coral reef conservation is a commitment that integrates science, education, and direct action to protect one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most valuable ecosystems. This certification validates ongoing work that we do not undertake alone; other institutions participate in the project to advance research and restoration efforts,” stated Rodolfo Raigoza, Director of Conservation at Grupo Xcaret.
ALPZA certification boosts the visibility of projects that provide tangible solutions to the region’s environmental challenges and promotes the standardization of best practices in conservation. Through initiatives such as this conservation program, Grupo Xcaret reaffirms its commitment to actively participating in the regeneration of nature in the Caribbean Sea and fostering a meaningful connection between people and the ocean, inviting active participation in caring for the environment.
