Dr. German Mendez founded the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program in 2013 after assisting in the restoration of coral reefs using species other than Acropora Cervicornis and Palmata. He has also made a commitment to educational programmes that promote coral reef protection and the regeneration of reefs that have been damaged by human activities and storms.

The goal of this program is to create an area outside of the marine park in Cozumel where coral will be grown on top of concrete slabs with cup holders and volunteers will help to rehabilitate the most damaged regions of Cozumel coral reefs due to hurricanes, overdevelopment, and diver overload. It will also be a place where studies for coral reef research and conservation, as well as learning about reproduction, diseases, contamination, and propagation, will be supported.