Project Pressure is conducting important fieldwork benefitting local communities and protecting MPAs.
80% of the world’s sewage is discharged into the environment untreated1. In Tulum on the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico untreated wastewater enters the underground freshwater aquifer and flows to the Mesoamerican reef in the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)2. Wastewater pollutes ecosystems along the way, and ultimately, the excess nutrients reach the ocean and kill corals, devastate fisheries and contribute to climate change.
The goal of this project is to mitigate climate change and reduce harm to established MPAs and nature reserves by influencing policy, regulatory framework, construction methods, and water management. But we still face significant data gaps. That’s why Project Pressure is working here—on the ground, diving deeper into this incredible landscape, collecting and analyzing data from aerial surveys, cave divers’ maps, topographical charts, and satellite imagery. This forms the backbone of a cutting-edge Geographic Information System (GIS) project. Our mission? To create a comprehensive map and establish a foundational understanding of this vital area, unlocking the mysteries beneath the surface.
We’re pushing the boundaries by using thermal satellite imagery and drones to detect temperature differences in the jungle—searching for access points to the submerged caves hidden below. The darker purples in the image indicate cooler temperatures, suggesting possible openings into the aquifer system.
This is work in progress—a crucial step in our efforts to combat pollution and safeguard these fragile ecosystems. The data we gather will play a key role in shaping the future of this incredible environment and will power our advocacy efforts for sustainable solutions.