Protect What You Love

by Kelly Spencer

Cozumel, Mexico – May 2019

Artist

Finding This Mural

In the main square

Google Map

Story Behind This Mural

Artist Statement

Cozumel - such a precious jewel from the bright blue reef to the deep green jungle, and hence so heavily trafficked by visitors. Coming from another small island with a unique ecosystem, I naturally developed the need to promote guardianship of our natural world through my work. In order to protect the fragile environment of Cozumel, it’s going to take more than nodding in concurrence and walking on by. As visitors to Cozumel, in cooperation with locals, it’s our responsibility to tread as lightly as possible. We can: Make educated decisions on which souvenirs to purchase, ensuring the materials used obtained in a sustainable manner; Avoid all plastic packaging - BYO containers for food, bags for shopping, and refill your drink bottles at restaurants; Educate ourselves on how to swim on the reef without damaging it, invest in reef-safe sun cream, and never kick the coral. Leave no trace. This mural speaks of the jungle found in the heart center of Cozumel. It utilizes bold typographic messaging, the style inspired by Mayan visual patterns. The soft subdued color palette alludes to the delicate nature of these species of flora and fauna- all of which I saw for myself during my time in Cozumel. All are precious and all work in harmony to provide clean air for us to breathe. ‘Protect what you Love’ may sound like a sweet sentiment, but it is a cry for urgent action and consideration before this beautiful environment fades away. Te quiero, Cozumel.

The Focus

Humanity's responsibility to protect our environment

Take Action

  • Bring your own! Say no to single-use plastics.
  • Eat as local as possible.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint and energy consumption.
  • Make sustainable seafood choices. Vote for the environment and call your representatives.
  • Educate yourself about what’s happening to our oceans.