Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On World Environment Day, commemorated every year on June 5th, the Municipal Department of Environment and Ecology has prepared a series of activities which not only seek to increase awareness about preserving the planet and its natural resources, but also to encourage the community to lend a hand in the care and preservation of Puerto Vallarta's natural environment.

Environmental Education and Culture Director, Emma Noriega Garza, announced that the activities will begin Thursday with a clean up on the beach in Boca de Tomates with the participation of Grupo Modelo, followed by a presentation about the Municipal Department of Environment and Ecology's Sea Turtles program and other environmental efforts. She noted that people who wish to do so can join this cleanup effort, which begins at 8:30 am. On Thursday evening, a documentary will be screened at the beach access of Holi, (between the Grand Venetian hotel and the Peninsula tower,) which is open to the public.

On Friday, June 6, the celebration continues in coordination with the El Salado estuary. Starting at 10 am, educational games will be played at the Gate 4 entrance of this natural area. Important information about the pro-ecology programs that maintain the estuary will also be provided. The municipal government is hoping to raise awareness and encourage more people to participate in these programs, which could only result in improving this destination.

"The main goal of this whole journey is to raise public awareness about environmental protection, the conservation of the species, proper waste sorting and management, and invite them to participate consistently in all the programs we have that are aimed at preserving and improving our environment," she said.

Noriega Garza indicated that she has had a positive response from people in all tasks that the municipality addresses. "Many people have joined us, have collaborated with us, and we will continue to invite the public to participate in both our beach clean-ups and our environmental education and culture programs because they create a greater awareness of the importance of caring for and preserving the vast natural wealth of Puerto Vallarta," she concluded.