Cozumel Hosts the XIII Mexican & IV Pan-American Coral Reef Congress

Often celebrated as the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs are living treasures that shield our coastlines, nurture extraordinary marine life, and sustain the livelihoods of millions across the Caribbean and beyond. This October, the island of Cozumel will become the stage for an international gathering dedicated to their protection: the XIII Mexican Coral Reef Congress and the IV Pan-American Coral Reef Congress.

Organized by CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) and UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico), the event will take place at the Cozumel campus of the University of Quintana Roo from October 13–17, 2025. According to the organizers, more than 70 institutions from Mexico and abroad are expected to participate, bringing together researchers, students, and conservation professionals to share knowledge and strategies for the protection and restoration of coral reefs.

Why this congress matters

The reefs of Cozumel form part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world. These ecosystems are central to the Caribbean’s environmental health, offering biodiversity hotspots, natural coastal defenses, and the foundation of thriving tourism economies. Yet they are also among the most vulnerable habitats, threatened by climate change, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution.

This congress arrives at a crucial moment, providing a space where science, policy, and community meet to address the urgent need for solutions.

Themes and structure of the congress

The program is designed to foster collaboration across disciplines. Key thematic areas include:

• Climate Change and Global Impacts – how warming oceans and extreme events are reshaping coral reef survival.

• Ecosystem Ecology – exploring reef functions, biodiversity, and interspecies interactions.

• Coral Holobiont Biology – examining the relationship between corals and their associated microorganisms.

• Conservation and Management – strategies for the sustainable use and long-term protection of reef systems.

• Restoration and Intervention – advances in coral gardening, reef rehabilitation, and assisted evolution.

• Citizen Science and Education – initiatives that connect local communities and volunteers with research.

• Geology and Geochemistry of Reefs – understanding reef formation, history, and resilience.

• Remote Sensing and Technology – applying drones, satellites, and sensors for reef monitoring and protection.

  
  

The congress will feature keynote lectures, oral presentations, poster sessions, specialized workshops, and field courses, allowing participants to exchange ideas at both scientific and practical levels. A dedicated student program will also highlight emerging talent with competitions for best theses and posters.

Beyond science: community engagement

What makes this congress unique is its connection with the island’s community. Activities will include coral identification workshops, underwater photography sessions, and the outreach series “Cozumel and Its Sea,” designed to engage local children and families in ocean literacy and conservation. This educational approach ensures that knowledge does not remain within academic walls, but reaches the very people who live alongside the reefs every day.

Cozumel as the ideal host

Cozumel is more than a tourist destination—it is a living laboratory for marine science. Home to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the island boasts exceptional biodiversity, from vibrant coral gardens to endangered marine species. As a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, Cozumel has long been at the forefront of reef protection and environmental education, making it an ideal backdrop for dialogue on conservation and sustainable practices. Hosting the congress here not only connects participants with real-world challenges and success stories, but also emphasizes the Caribbean’s critical role in safeguarding global ocean health.