Promoters of the Riviera Maya are stepping up efforts to market the
region on the Yucatan Peninsula as a hot destination for
eco-tourists.
The coastline of the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico is known
for its uncrowded beaches, tropical forests, cenotes, underground
rivers and ancient Mayan ruins. But several programs developed over
the past few years have become popular attractions that also help
protect the environment.
The Marine Turtle Protection Program, instituted in 2001, was
created to care for the nesting grounds of endangered green sea
turtles and loggerhead sea turtles along the Bahia Principe Tulum
and Akumal coastline. So far, the program has protected an
estimated 1,062 turtle nests, and freed an estimated 93,776 newly
born turtles.
From May through September, members of the Bahia Ecological
Foundation patrol the beaches to protect female turtles and
relocate newly laid eggs to a protected zone, where they are placed
underground for incubation. Later, the baby turtles are carried to
a safe location on the beach with no reefs, so they can reach
deeper water more quickly and avoid predators. Visitors can watch
the release of the tiny hatchlings and their first attempt at sea
life.
The turtle protection program has been so popular among visitors
that another environmentally conscious tour was designed with
tourists in mind: The Riviera Maya Coral Reef Protection program.
Designed to preserve the reef along the coast by prohibiting
development, which would eventually destroy the coral reefs, the
program includes guided snorkel tours along the reef by members of
the Bahia Ecological Foundation. A $10 donation to the foundation
includes snorkel gear, a life vest and free T-shirt.
The Bahia Ecological Foundation has also begun offering guided
ecological walks from the Tulum/Akumal tower, which offers
panoramic views. The tour in both English and Spanish - includes a
nature walk through the jungle to learn about indigenous plants,
animals and insects, with a stop at a sweat lodge and traditional
Mayan house. The walks are free, but a donation to the foundation
is appreciated.
And another program, the Riviera Maya Recycled Paper Workshop,
aims to reduce deforestation and to promote conservation by
facilitating recycling programs at area hotels.
866-6GO-MAYA
www.rivieramaya.com
www.travelyucatan.com
