How Islas Marías Turned Prison Bars into Eco-Stars

Imagine an island that once echoed with the cries of human suffering, a place where deprivation and lack of freedom were the order of the day. Now picture this: the very same island becoming an emblem of hope, learning, and most importantly, sustainability. No, this is not the plot of a new utopian novel; it's the story of Islas Marías, an archipelago off the coast of Mexico that has undergone a transformation so significant, it seems almost miraculous.

The genesis of this transformation can be traced back to February 2019 when President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (often referred to as AMLO) decreed the closure of the Islas Marías Federal Penitentiary Center. The place that had for years been a symbol of “repression, violation of human dignity, human rights abuses, and misuse of authority” would be repurposed. With the incarcerated population moved to mainland facilities, Islas Marías is rising like a phoenix, reborn as an Educational and Cultural Center that prepares the nation’s youth in sustainable environmental practices.

Guardians of the Territory

At the heart of this rejuvenated island is the “Guardianas y guardianes del territorio” project, part of the Muros de Agua-José Revueltas Environmental and Cultural Education Center. The initiative is supported by a cross-collaboration of multiple governmental secretariats and agencies focused on environmental preservation.

Here’s the stunning part: young participants receive an immersive education during their stay on the island. Workshops, experiential learning sessions, and deep reflections are woven together on subjects ranging from the island's natural and cultural history to climate change, organic farming, and much more. At the end of this transformative course, they are bestowed the honorary title of “Guardians of the Territory” by the President of Mexico, empowering them to become environmental stewards in their local communities.

Islas Marías has an abundance of natural resources—wind, sun, and water—that make it an ideal location to shift from fossil fuel reliance to sustainable energy models. Visitors can witness firsthand the marvel of renewable technologies in action: solar pumping systems in water wells, solar panels operating landfills, and innovative wastewater treatment methods among others. In essence, the island is not merely a classroom but a living, breathing laboratory of sustainability.

A Salute to the Navy

While the island embarks on its new mission, the presence of the Mexican Navy adds another layer to the complex narrative. Tasked with maintaining the territorial integrity and internal security, their role is vital. On Mother Island, the largest of the Islas Marías, visitors can gain insights into the dedication, teamwork, and rigorous discipline of the naval force. Through interactive exhibitions, the navy’s role is not just glorified but understood, enhancing one’s pride in the safeguarding endeavors of this branch of the military.

Even the island’s visitor logistics are thoughtfully planned. A study of its “carrying capacity” dictates how many people can visit without negatively impacting the environment. Factors like waste management and water cycle have been considered to ensure that the island not only educates but also practices sustainability.

In the era where the world is grappling with climate change, the renaissance of Islas Marías serves as a compelling model of environmental stewardship. It shows how spaces, no matter their troubled past, can be repurposed for the greater good.

The transformation of Islas Marías is not just an ecological or educational marvel; it is a philosophical statement—a testament that with vision, cooperation, and a commitment to Mother Earth, even the darkest of places can find their way into the light.

Source: González Madruga, C. D. (2020). Islas Marías libro-guía de turismo (1st ed.). Secretaría de Turismo.