In just four days, more than three million observations were recorded worldwide during the 2025 edition of the City Nature Challenge, one of Earth’s most expansive citizen science projects. Among the participating regions, Tulum stood out as a beacon of environmental engagement, connecting its local community and visitors to the living fabric of its natural surroundings.
This remarkable outcome was spearheaded by the Eco-Bahia Foundation, the environmental branch of Grupo Piñero, which mobilized an inclusive effort across the municipality from April 25 to 28. The result: an impressive tally of 783 observations, documenting 364 distinct species, with the support of 50 local observers and 120 expert identifiers. From the black spiny-tailed iguana to the white-winged dove, the data collected reflected a vibrant mosaic of life, reinforcing Tulum’s role as a hub of ecological richness.
A Collective Celebration of Biodiversity
The City Nature Challenge 2025 served as a data-gathering initiative and a celebration of nature through direct human connection. Eco-Bahia Foundation’s work extended beyond the beaches and into the heart of the community, engaging hotel guests, residents, and citizens in guided flora and fauna identification walks. Sites including Cobá, Francisco Uh May, Chemuyil, Xcacel, Boca Paila, Akumal, and Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort all contributed observations, highlighting the ecological wealth tucked into every corner of the region.
Luis Verdín, Eco-Bahia’s manager in Mexico, articulated the heart of the initiative: “Tulum’s participation in the City Nature Challenge 2025 is a living reflection of our purpose: to promote tourism that regenerates, respects, and connects. When people discover the biodiversity around them, a genuine commitment to protect it is born.”
Education and Regeneration at the Core
The initiative underscores the Eco-Bahia Foundation’s core belief, “Know to conserve.” Through this lens, science becomes more than data: it becomes a dialogue with nature. Each observation is a moment of learning, a story of discovery, and an invitation to care.
The foundation has long championed active conservation, environmental education, and the principles of regenerative tourism. Incorporating citizen science into its outreach bridges local action with global goals, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspiring a new generation of nature stewards.
From Local Action to Global Impact
The City Nature Challenge’s ability to democratize science makes it so powerful. No advanced degree is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to observe. In Tulum, this accessibility translated into tangible environmental awareness and a shared sense of stewardship. The initiative turned everyday citizens into field researchers, if only for a weekend, and gave nature a platform to be seen, appreciated, and protected.
Efforts like these reinforce Tulum’s capacity to lead in tourism and environmental responsibility. As Eco-Bahia continues to pave the way for deeper community engagement and biological documentation, its call to action remains clear: protecting biodiversity begins with recognizing it.
Get Involved
The Eco-Bahia Foundation encourages everyone to take part in its mission. Those interested can support the cause by donating through the Foundation’s official page. Each contribution supports education and conservation efforts vital for the planet’s future.
Explore the full results and species records from the 2025 City Nature Challenge in Tulum here: City Nature Challenge Tulum Project
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