ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Mar 07 (CETMAR 07), a high school in Veracruz, Mexico, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools – The Americas category. This recognition highlights the school’s innovative project focused on environmental restoration, particularly in mangrove ecosystems and the mitigation of invasive species.
CETMAR 07’s initiative aims to cultivate 2,000 red mangrove propagules (Rhizophora mangle) over two years through advanced Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) established in the school’s laboratory. The effort will involve reforesting these seedlings within the Laguna de Mandinga ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in climate change mitigation by enhancing carbon capture and oxygen production. Additionally, students will engage in the removal of the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans), which poses a significant threat to the biodiversity of the Veracruz Reefs.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised the school’s proactive approach: “CETMAR 07 exemplifies the potential of education to drive sustainability through hands-on initiatives. Their project not only restores vital ecosystems but also nurtures a new generation dedicated to environmental stewardship.”
Eng. Gustavo González García, Director of CETMAR 07, remarked on the significance of this accolade: “Winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a defining moment for our institution. It reflects the commitment of our educators, the creativity of our students, and the unwavering support from our community. This achievement motivates us to continue our impactful work, proving that a small educational community can indeed create a lasting legacy of sustainability.”
The US $150,000 award will empower CETMAR 07 to expand its initiatives, with 20 students participating each semester in mangrove planting and coastal restoration activities. Additionally, a group of 10 students will receive training to become certified divers, focusing on reducing the invasive Lionfish population. The school plans to host community outreach programs that include parents, teachers, and locals, ensuring the sustainability of their environmental efforts.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes organizations and schools that provide innovative solutions across various categories, including Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Since its establishment, the Prize has positively impacted over 407 million lives globally, continuing the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Since 2013, the Prize has honored 56 high schools in its Global High Schools category from several regions, including The Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, and more. To date, the winners have positively influenced the lives of over 56,599 students and 480,660 individuals in their communities.
About the Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s leading award dedicated to recognizing innovative solutions for global challenges. It serves as a tribute to the vision of the UAE’s founding father, focusing on fostering sustainable development worldwide.
Each year, the Prize honors groundbreaking contributions in Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, driving impactful solutions for our planet’s urgent needs.
Through its 117 winners over the past 17 years, the Prize has had a transformative effect on more than 400 million lives, inspiring innovators to enhance their impact and promote a sustainable future for all.
