8/12/2019 Responsible & Sustainable Travel in the Yucatan

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sustainable and

responsible travelMexico hosts nearly 20 millionvisitors each year. Though tourism is one of the nations most

lucrative industries, and has brought jobs to thousands, it has also helped to create and

accelerate many of the nations ecological problems. Mexicos people love their land, and

the problems caused by tourism, such as species extinction, land erosion, and over fishing,

have encouraged the development of ecological conservation.

how you can helpWhen traveling, utilize ejidos & cooperativos. Ejidos basically offer small-scale tourism ser-

vices, like controlling access to archeological ruins and running tours to popular ecotourism

destinations. By choosing to utilize ejidos, rather than large, commercial travel agencies,

you will know that your money will be going directly back into the community and even

potentially to an organization which supports sustainable development.

Scientific studies have recently shown that the chemicals in commercial sunscreen can po-

tentially cause long-term damage to coral reefs, collect in the freshwater, and even build up

within a humans own body. When a few ounces of sunscreen is multiplied by 2.5 million

anual visitors, a sustaintial amount of harmful chemicals becomes suspened in the ocean

and in the fresh water. When visiting the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, help to prevent

harmful chemicals from entering the water by wearing only biodegradable sunscreen, and

when swimming in the ocean or cenotes, wearing none at all.

Be aware of and respectful towards the practice of recycling and composting waste. In the

Yucatan it is very common practice to composte waste of all kinds. In its most simple form,

composting is a process which simply involves making a heap of wetted organic matter. The

compost can be rich in nutrients and used in gardens for soil fertilizer. Some of the many

benefits of composting include but are not limited to: erosion control, wetland construction

and stream reclamation. Many places in the Yucatan also participate in the practice of not

flushing toilet paper down the drain, so make sure you are aware of each establishments

individual policies.

ejidos & cooperativos

biodegradable sunscreen

composting waste

history

Between the Riviera Maya was originally an important trade and reli-

gious hub for the Ancient Mayas. The ruins of the prosperous era can still be seen at what is

left of and in the towns of

Before the Spaniards arrival, after many wars and invasions , this prosperity waned. The

inadequate roads discouraged much development of the area. Riviera Maya slowely devel-

oped into a main vacation destination, forever changing the locals way of life.

1000-1500 AD

Tulum Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, & Xel-Ha.

El Norte,77 F

barrier reef

protecting & preserving

May through November, the climate is dominated by a rainy season. During the dry season, a

period dominated by northerly winds, occurs in January and February. Ground

water (cenote water) tempuratures are about year round. The second largest

in the world is located along the Caribbean coast. The Riviera Maya has

demonstrated a very strong commitment to the envi-

ronment, helping to maintain the immense beauty of the area.

ecosystem

SpanishMayan English

Modern Mayans

Situated along the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico,

live along the 75-mile stretch, known as the Riviera Maya. The Riv-

iera Maya begins in Playa del Secreto and ends at Punta Allen, a small fishing village located

within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. is the official language of RivieraMayas inhabitants, however, is spoken in some local areas, as well as

in others. One of the largest groups of can be found here, identify-

ing themselves, simply as Maya.

70,000 residents

culture

mayan riviera

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