Mexiconservación's Blog

New Mexiconservacion Project funded by the UNDP

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:07:02 -0600

On July 11th of 2008 we signed an agreement with the Small Grants Program of the United Nations Development Program (SGP-UNDP) for a project called "Planning for sustainability among groups involved in tourism activities financed by the Small Grants Program". The objective is to develop and plan an integral short-term capacity building project for 22 grassroots organizations already financed by the SGP-UNDP and involved in tourism activities throughout the three states of the Yucatán Peninsula (Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche). We hope to focus these SGP-financed community tourism development projects toward "best practices" that will maximize the sustainability of their tourism activities.

With this initiative we have the opportunity to directly influence local communities throughout the Peninsula and guide their efforts with regards to tourism towards better care of the environment, the social inclusion of these communities in tourism development projects, and the economic benefits obtained by said tourism activities.

The project will be lead by Armando Sastrè Méndez, a new addition to the Mexiconservación team with a Masters degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and recent experience strengthening community based tourism efforts along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and the Celestun Biosphere Reserve.

1st Green Expo Tulum 2008

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:09:30 -0600

The very first Green Expo Tulum took place on the 18th August this year. It was held at the Casa de la Cultura in Tulum, where local environmental NGOs and businesses presented their projects, services and products to the community. Mexiconservacion was represented by Lucy Gallagher and Rafael Gonzalez at their colorful stand

Whale Shark Research on the Island of Holbox

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:43:22 -0600

The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish on the planet and inhabits tropical and temperate waters between 15C and 30C. It is easily identifiable by its large mouth, flattened head and distinctive white spots on its dark skin. There are historical reports by local fishermen relating to the aggregation occurring in the northeastern side of the Yucatan peninsula. Nowadays, this spot is considered to be one of the most important and predictable aggregations in the world. According to CONANP (National Commission for Natural Protected Areas), 173 individuals were identified in 2004, compared to the 162 in Ningaloo (Australia) and 47 in Belize. This event is fostered by oceanographic currents, triggering an upwelling in the area from late May to early September.

While the Whale Shark is listed as a vulnerable species by IUCN as it is fished (mainly in Asia) in Mexico, it is a major tourist attraction. Their docility, accessibility (gather in shallow coastal areas) and seasonal predictability has boosted its non-extractive exploitation.

Initially, permits were issued only to promote alternative and sustainable development in local communities, in Chiquila and on the Island of Holbox. But in 2005, Cancun and Isla Mujeres were also given access to this profitable activity, increasing the number of boats and hence conflicts in the feeding grounds where Whale Sharks gather. Lately, intermediary companies also demand tour operators to have their own guides and/ or photography crew, putting more pressure on breaking the rules created and agreed by all local tour operators in 2003.

Whale shark conservation is challenged by different factors working at different time and spatial scales. Lois Moriel, a Master student at the stockholm Resilience Center (Sweden) and Mexiconservacion volunteer, is currently working on a project to include all areas involved in the use and management of the whale shark in the Mexican Atlantic.

The aim of her research is to determine how external drivers influence the way in which local stakeholders develop this activity, which will eventually determine its sustainability, both at a social and species level. The distance to the resource, costs and benefits from operation, and relationship with intermediaries will be regarded as external drivers. If you would like to contribute towards Lois’s Research, please consider a donation by clicking here and label it Whale Shark Research.

Mexiconservación joins forces with Indigenous Tour Operator

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:01:52 -0600

Last July 15, the Cooperative U Meya Maya oob and Mexiconservación joined forces to promote an interesting community based tourism project. A traditional mayan ceremony took place to celebrate this alliance accompanied by delicious regional dishes and indigenous music, at the Hotel Crucero in Tulum, where both groups now share an office.

If you would like to know more about the various ecotourism packages that the network of integrated indigenous communities offer contact, Rosario Pat Poot at the Mexiconservación office or visit http://rita.com.mx/

Lucy Gallagher completes Course in Business Planning for Protected Areas

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:53:57 -0600

We are pleased to announce that our Marine Projects Director, Lucy Gallagher, recently completed a Washington State University online course in Business Planning for Protected Areas. The pilot course was offered by the UNESCO-World Heritage Centre, The Nature Conservancy, and Washington State University, in collaboration with members of the Conservation Finance Alliance and was designed to facilitate access to the essential information and tools needed to accelerate the formulation of long-term solutions to the financial needs of protected areas. Mexiconservación hopes to put her newly acquired knowledge to good use in future conservation projects!

Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism Workshop

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:36:10 -0600

Mexiconservación had the privilege of participating in a Workshop for Trainers and Evaluators in Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism, organized by the Rainforest Alliance and held at LaSalle University in Cancún, from May 6-9th. The purpose of the event was to develop local capacity to assist the tourism industry in the implementation of best practices by creating a network of consultants in which NGOs, academia and private sector consultants are to be represented.

Ecological Art in Paseo de Montejo, Merida

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:19:02 -0600

The beautiful Paseo de Montejo in Merida is currently the site for an unusual art exhibition called the Sisterhood of Sculptures Mexico-Germany. It features contemporary ecological pieces, each conveying an environmental message to the passer-by. Each sculpture is accompanied by a plaque including the name of the work of art, artist and description of the environmental problem it represents. This exhibition will remain in Merida until February 2009 – do not miss it if you are in the area!

Mexiconservación attends Coral Reef Management & Conservation Symposium

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:37:20 -0600

Mexiconservación attended the Coral Reef Management & Conservation Symposium organized by CONANP and ICRI in celebration of the International Year of the Reef. The event took place at the Cozumel Campus of the University of Quintana Roo on April 18. The presentations included those by representatives of various Natural Parks, Universities and NGOs working in the region.

Mexiconservación participates in SEMARNAT/Rainforest Alliance Meeting

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:35:08 -0600

On March 31, Mexiconservación was invited to present the Green Guide to various hotel representatives at a large conference held at the Hotel Fiesta American, in Cancun. This conference, organized by the Secretary of the Environment (SEMARNAT) and the Rainforest Alliance, focused on the adoption of best environmental practices in the region and aimed to include hotels from Cancun to Tulum, in a new strategy towards sustainable tourism.

The New Green Guide is Out!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:49:13 -0600

Our Donation to Flora, Fauna y Cultura.

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:39:28 -0600

Earlier on this year, Mexiconservación made its very first donation to one of the many conservation projects in the Riviera Maya. We are proud to have been able to contribute 3000 pesos to Flora, Fauna y Cultura’s Turtle Care Program, raised from products we developed specifically for turtle conservation projects. To find out more about Flora. Fauna y Cultura’s Turtle Care Program, click here. Thank you to all those that helped raise these funds by purchasing our Turtle Gift Certificates and Greeting Cards!

Mexiconservacion's 2007 Annual Report

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:16:14 -0600

2007 was a successful year for Mexiconservación. If you would like to read more about our projects and activities and our plans for the future, please click here to view our bilingual annual report.

Valentine’s Day Benefit Concert

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:49:02 -0600

On 14th February 2008, Mexiconservación will be hosting the “Trova por Amor” concert at the Centro Cultural Coyoacanense Hugo Argüelles, in Mexico City, from 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact us.

Our Guide for the Responsible Traveler Brochure

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:56:54 -0600

In December, Mexiconservación adapted the Green Guide to a brief bilingual brochure, providing tips for the responsible traveler. Our sponsor, Ah Cacao Real Chocolate, has printed 30,000 copies of the brochures on recycled paper, using soya inks.In order to view the guide, click here.

Mexiconservación would like to extend its warmest thanks to Ah Cacao for providing the financial backing and technical support for this project. If your business would like obtain some brochures or sponsor another edition, please contact us.

Mexiconservación’s Office in Tulum Opens.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:31:55 -0600

We are proud to announce that we have finally opened our office in the Riviera Maya, which is located at the entrance to the Tulum Ruins, next to El Crucero Hotel. Please visit us to find out about our projects! Our office will also be a store where you will be able to purchase biodegradable and organic products, greeting cards made from recyclable paper, natural weave bags and much more.