There are times when nature is not explained but felt. It can be touched and transformed into something tangible. It is from this vision that the award presented at the Los + Ecoístas Mexico Awards 2026 was born.
Justo Rosales, winner of this year’s Artisans Competition, transforms what others discard into handcrafted pieces rich in meaning. Originally from Isla Mujeres, the artisan draws inspiration from his family and surroundings to create his work. The winning piece is made from sargassum and sand recovered from outside the beach environment, serving as a clear reflection of the purpose of caring for and valuing what belongs to us.
Each statuette is more than a unique work of art; it is a statement. A reminder that harmony between people and nature is possible when we act with awareness and responsibility. The entirely handcrafted technique and the use of locally sourced natural materials reflect a way of creating that respects the rhythms of the environment and honors the origin of every resource.
Inspired by the richness of the Caribbean Sea, the winning piece symbolizes the deep connection between biodiversity and local culture. It invites us to look differently at what we often consider waste and to recognize it instead as an opportunity.
In this way, every recipient of the Los + Ecoístas Mexico Awards received a one-of-a-kind piece that goes beyond the concept of a trophy. These unique creations embody the commitment to protecting and preserving what is ours.
Initiative in Collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Quintana Roo Institute of Culture
The Artisans Competition, a key component of the Los + Ecoístas Mexico Awards 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (SEDETUR) and the Quintana Roo Institute of Culture (ICA).
The purpose of this initiative is to promote local talent and recognize creativity linked to environmental stewardship through sustainable artisanal production. For the second consecutive year in Mexico, we selected a local artisan to contribute to the Los + Ecoístas Awards, an initiative powered by Piñero.
