Mexico: Sustainable Tourism at the caribbean coast
On nature conservation and more sustainability
Partner: Amigos de Isla Contoy (AIC), Mexiko
Participants: The inhabitants of the Isla Mujeres island
Ecology: Introduction of recycling and long-term environmentally compatible use of waste materials
Economy: Maintenance and improvement of environmental quality as the basis for tourism
Social aspects: Strengthening of the community through self-organisation, personal responsibility
Measures:
- Support and sponsorship of the Isla Contoy National Park
- Running a community centre for environmental education on Isla Mujeres
- Organisation of recycling of valuable materials on Isla Mujeres
- Public information campaigns on waste disposal issues on Isla Mujeres and beyond
- Organising environmental education programmes in schools and nurseries in the region
- Organising workshops with different regional and local organisations
- Setting up and supporting working parties to accompany programmes
- Establishment and maintenance of a network of nature and environmental conservation organisations
Isla Contoy - nature reserve and tourist centre
Isla Contoy is at the eastern tip of the Yucatan, very close to the major tourist centres of the Mexican Caribbean coast. It is one of the Yucatan’s most valuable ornithological nature reserves. Due to the prevailing currents, the protected waters teem with fish and, so far, nearby reefs have shown little sign of coral death. Ever since 1961 the island has had protected status, and has more recently been designated a National Park. However, insufficient resources are available for research projects, education, monitoring or surveillance of the Park boundaries.
The island is also used for tourism, and local operators run daily tours to the island, bringing visitors from neighbouring Isla Mujeres and the tourist centre of Cancun. The boats land in a small bay with a short, narrow beach. Visitors are welcomed by the multilingual National Park guides and informed about the nature reserve and its role, the different bird species and other animals likely to be encountered during the trip.
The stay on the island lasts approx. four hours. Only day trippers are permitted and nobody is allowed to spend the night on the island. Exceptions are only made for scientists, by prearrangement, for the Park staff, and a few fishermen. Furthermore a management plan for the National Park only permits up to 200 visitors per day, in order to keep disturbance of animal life to a minimum.
- The visitor centre provides an overview of the Isla Contoy National Park and demonstrates modern techniques of supply and disposal.
As of May 2003, an exhibition conceived and presented by the association Amigos de Isla Contoy, with support from the Lighthouse Foundation and the European Union, has been open to the public in the Isla Contoy visitor centre. Large-scale interpretation boards and informative models are used to portray the diverse habitats and features of the National Park. In addition, the visitor centre’s viewing tower offers an imposing view – with or without binoculars – over the island, and after climbing its many steps, the pleasant coolness of the sea breeze at the top is very welcome.
Gradual changeover of energy supply from diesel generators to the use of solar and wind power. The provision of drinking water is met by treating rainwater and has been accompanied by the introduction of efficient waste water treatment facilities. Contoy has, thus, become a showcase for environmentally compatible technology.
Waste separation and recycling on Isla Mujeres
- The Amigos de Isla Contoy concentrate especially on information and education of children.
Even though Isla Contoy is situated far off the coast, the beaches of the national park are not spared from the rubbish washed up on its shores. One source of plastic waste is the neighbouring island of Isla Mujeres with its numerous hotels and restaurants and waste management is a significant problem for the community. The Amigos de Isla Contoy are campaigning for the introduction of environmentally compatible processes for handling organic waste material and waste packaging that can be proved to work in practice and are achievable over the long term. Isla Mujeres is working towards becoming a “sustainable community” and thereby securing its status as an attractive tourist destination.
An important step, in addition to convincing the community representatives, is motivating the population to participate in waste collection and disposal into organic and inorganic elements. Members of Amigos de Isla Contoy conducted door-to-door visits to discuss the relevant issues and deliver information leaflets.
A community programme on separating and collecting reusable materials was drawn up after a more exact analysis of the waste volume and its qualitative composition was produced in co-operation with the University of Cancun and a central waste disposal facility was set up by the community. At the same time, discussions were held on possibilities to reduce the volume of daily waste, especially with catering establishments.
The outcome of this work, the proposed next steps and the demands on the community were presented to the population at a range of events. Particular attention was paid to children and teenagers who were given a hands-on opportunity to take a creative approach to dealing with waste at several seminars and events. This also included active participation in collecting waste in the countryside as part of beach clean-ups. The involvement of schools and nurseries proved to be especially helpful in communicating the message to the parent’s generation via the children and teenagers.
Reports:
Report on integrated educational programme of
Amigos de Isla Contoy:
(in Spanish)
Local press:
Revolutionary achievements on Isla Contoy!
LF-Explorer
Mangroves – masters of survival on salty ground
WWW:
Isla Contoy is a small island in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, approximately 30 kilometers north of Isla Mujeres. The island is only 8.5 km in length and has an area of 3.17 square kilometres.