CEA sets 2010 objectives

A message from Paul Sanchez-Navarro, executive director of Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA):

CEA continues to work on three main conservation program fronts---marine and coastal protection, sea turtle protection and water quality, in the Akumal region.

This year, our programs are focused on the following objectives:

Marine and Coastal Program:
•Strengthen and improve the Akumal Bays Management Program; improve tour operator participation; increase federal authority participation; expand program actions from Yal Ku to Aventuras Akumal, as designed in the original program
•Continue reef monitoring activities; increase marine research.

Sea Turtle Program:
•Strengthen nesting monitoring and protection activities
•Implement juvenile turtle protection measures in Akumal Bay
•Improve awareness-raising information on sea turtles in local hotels
•Carry out 8th Annual Tulúm Sea Turtle Festival in Akumal
•Successfully participate as president of the Regional Sea Turtle Committee

Water Quality Program:
•Carry out connection program in Akumal Pueblo
•Improve tourism sector management of wastewater
•Carry out water quality testing in Akumal
•Review at least 25% of Akumal's artificial wetlands
•Map contaminants in Akumal region
•Obtain funding for lab renovation

Environmental Sustainability Program:
•Formally protect jungle and mangrove land around Akumal
•Ensure adequate ecological zoning of Tulúm municipality
•Increase local hotel participation in CEA Eco-certification and Recycling project

Environmental Education Program:
•Improve classroom activities for Akumal Pueblo, including teacher training
•Implement recycling program for Akumal
•Improve educational materials for visitors

Communications Program:
•Increase conservation program information on Web site
•Publish informative brochures
•Improve information dissemination through all media
•Organize university group visits

We thank everyone for their support in helping us to achieve our goals. We will report on the results of these objectives throughout the year.

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Riviera Maya turtle trip, July 25 - August 1, 2010

From a trip announcement from Maya Riviera Vacation:

This trip is designed for families with all ages. It is during the height of Turtle Season when you will see juveniles swimming and feeding in the bay, mothers nesting and babies hatching. In addition to a great vacation it will also be an eco-trip that will benefit Centro Ecologico Akumal.

What's included:
Accommodations at either Hotel Akumal Caribe or at Casa Romero's Complex.
Turtle Talk by Centro Ecologico Akumal
Turtle Walk by CEA
Eco-Beach Walk by CEA
Snorkeling Tour of Akumal Bay by CEA
Entrance into Yal Ku Lagoon
Sunset Sail
Admission to Xcaret
Entrance to Xel Ha
Picnic at Xcacel
Welcome Dinner at Lolha
Ground Transportation
Spa Credit for Adults

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CEA tackles turtle refuge and water quality

An update about the activities of Centro Ecológico Akumal:

Throughout 2009, Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) has been working to improve the use and management of Akumal's marine and coastal ecosystems. We are successfully operating the Akumal Bays Management Plan (POBAk), a locally defined and operated program that seeks to organize the myriad marine tourism activities carried out in the clear blue waters of Akumal. Local boats are now regulated and comply with tourism laws, and land- and sea-based snorkel tour operators work within a schedule which limits the numbers of tourists per group per day. Federal authorities such as the Port Captain and Ministry of the Environment support and participate in this program. Akumal now has a management tool with which to protect the sea turtles feeding in Akumal Bay, and the coral species struggling to continue their job of building reef in the area.

One of our main goals is to create a Sea Turtle Refuge, converting this management experience into a legal instrument which will help us protect Akumal's wondrous sea turtles for years to come. We will expand our sea turtle protection and marine conservation efforts beyond beach management and patrols during nesting season to include the hawksbills, greens and loggerheads found in our coastal waters.

In addition, CEA has been working with the federal, state and municipal water authorities and local businesses to improve wastewater management in the region, with the goal of making sure that all the fresh water making its way to the sea is free of pollutants. This is an ongoing process, involving creating a new water treatment infrastructure in Akumal, Chemuyil and Tulum, as well as building local awareness and capacity for water management. We have to make sure that our incredible marine biodiversity has a healthy habitat in which to grow.

Our conservation work is integrated into environmental education projects in the local schools, communication activities with tourists, visiting groups and local businesses, and sustainable environmental policy objectives with municipal, state and federal governments.

CEA could not carry out any of its work without the support of so many actors, from all the local restaurants and hotels, visitors from so many countries, foundations and agencies, to other environmental organizations in Mexico. We are thankful to everyone for their participation.

We hope you enjoy our new Web site, and we invite you to rediscover CEA, learn about our work and join us in protecting this incredible biodiversity—wildlife and water in Akumal.


Paul Sánchez-Navarro Russell
Director
director@ceakumal.org

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Loss of world's seagrass beds seen accelerating

A turtle cruises over a seagrass feeding ground in Akumal Bay, Mexico.

From a Reuters article by Jim Loney:

MIAMI (Reuters) - The world's seagrass meadows, a critical habitat for marine life and profit-maker for the fishing industry, are in decline due to coastal development and the losses are accelerating, according to a new study.

Billed as the first comprehensive global assessment of seagrass losses, the study found 58 percent of seagrass meadows are declining and the rate of annual loss has accelerated from about 1 percent per year before 1940 to 7 percent per year since 1990.

Published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study, based on more than 200 surveys and 1,800 observations dating back to 1879, found that seagrasses are disappearing at rates similar to coral reefs and tropical rainforests.

"Seagrasses are disappearing because they live in the same kind of environments that attract people," James Fourqurean, a professor at Florida International University and a co-author of the study, said in an e-mailed response to questions.

"They live in shallow areas protected from large storm waves, and they are especially prevalent in bays and around river mouths."

Scientists say seagrass processes waste dumped into the sea, helps stabilize ocean-bottom sediments in coastal areas to reduce erosion, provide nurseries for fish and shellfish and feeding grounds for larger marine creatures, including those that live in coral reefs.

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Turtle in Akumal Bay

From the forum at LocoGringo. Jan Walkeden, posting as FinsUP, took the exceptional head-on shot of the feeding turtle. Jan has other photos and videos of underwater Akumal Bay on flickr.

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Birds, reptiles, blessings, music and more! Akumal, Feb. 25-26

Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) announced two-full days of
activities for its Fourth Annual Festival:

We're holding our Fourth Annual CEA Festival this month, on the 25th and 26th. Our theme this year is Reuse–Recycle–Restore. CEA is planning events and exhibits related to reducing consumption, recycling waste and working to restore Akumal's ecosystems.

We are offering music and information both days, as well as events for fundraising: a Silent Auction and a Gala Dinner. Jurassic Band will be playing at the Gala Dinner on the 26th.

If you would like to donate an item for the Silent Auction or volunteer in any way, please contact Marcy or Alma. Also, please check for updates on this site, contact us at (52) 984-875-9095 or come by our office on the beach in Akumal.

Please see the Gala Invitation. To pay for your Gala Dinner by credit card, please click here.

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CEA's Fourth Annual Festival and Gala Event

February 25 & 26 in Akumal, in and around the CEA Center.

Reuse, Recycle, Restore

There will be evironmental products, games, workshops, tours, a silent auction and more. The Woopets Life Size Puppets will be performing. Their acts not only entertain but also address a variety of environmental issues and they are sure to inspire those of all ages.

This year's Gala will feature Jurassic Band, an incredible '70s rock cover band

What can you do? CEA needs your participation in the Festival, so please plan to attend and tell your friends. CEA is also accepting donations for their Silent Auction, as well as other donations and sponsors. CEA is also looking for volunteers to help before and during the Festival. If you would like to volunteer, sponsor an event, or donate to a great cause and help make the Festival a great success, please contact Marcy Essy at caribcondo@aol.com r phone 984-875-9116, Aventuras Akumal.

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Akumal water quality program moves forward

From an article by Edith Sosa in the newsletter to Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA)

I would like to share with you three experiences that the Water Program had in 2008. First, we initiated the process for certification of Akumal Bay, which had many complications since results of the water quality samples, that were carried out over a six-month period, indicated that several points were above standards set for certification (which are the most stringent in the country). However, we are still in the process and concentrating on this project for next year. Another point was the review of sewage treatment in Akumal, both in the town and in the tourist zone, which we delivered to the authorities to be taken into account. Next year we hope that the State Committee on Potable Water and Sewage dedicates resources to provide sewage treatment to the rest of the town. Finally, we are participating in the development of the Ecological Zoning Plan of the Municipality of Solidaridad, which is in the environmental criteria development stage and, once approved, must be take n into account for new development construction in the area.

The importance of watershed conservation is emphasized in this process and key catchment areas have been identified, as well as the importance of aquifer protection in areas that are used for recreational tourism. It was a year with many activities and we thank you all for helping in this effort of protection. Without your support it would be very difficult to continue. I can only wish that you enjoy the holiday season and that next year we can work more closely together for a balance between development and nature.

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Conservation challenges in Akumal

As these questions from Akumal visitors and the answers by CEA's executive director clearly illustrate, coastal conservation presents tough challenges:

QUESTION:
I was stopped by the demonstration last night and was told that CEA along with the Lol Ha were paying guards to stop locals and charge them $80 pesos to access the beach. Is this true? It's illegal for one thing but it is morally reprehensible for another. Certainly, if it is true, your supporters should know about it...if you have anything you would like to say I'd appreciate a response.
Jonna Harlan

ANSWER:
CEA does not block access to locals to go to the beach and it does not charge them. The guard was placed at the entrance to the beach from the road to stop all COMMERCIAL activity going to the bay. As property owners, CEA may legally do this. Access is guaranteed by law to individuals, not businesses. Too many companies are bringing tours to Akumal bay to snorkel and they are damaging the area, harassing the turtles and do in no way benefit the local economy. Several local actors want to keep the heat going for their own political interests and therefore are making false claims against CEA. Our efforts are to protect the local environment and make sure that Akumalians can enjoy it, without destroying it. CEA does charge for parking and bathrooms because it costs quite a lot of money to keep the area clean and in service (water costs, property taxes are paid, etc.) and if there is no charge, people traditionally trash the place (we have experimented). We are now trying to work with the local people to first inform them well of the matters and second, to involve them in the solutions so that Akumal can remain the incredible place that it is. Thanks for your interest in the area.
Paul, Sanchez-Navarro, CEA director.

QUESTION:
We have been visiting Akumal Bay for a few years now and love it. However, many tourists (including ourselves) have recently been very disappointed with how many boats and snorkel tours are in the bay. You can see at least 30-40 boats on any given day. This is both an eyesore and a huge danger to people snorkeling and swimming in the water. I know there are regulations in place to restrict the boats, but I firmly believe it's going to take a person's DEATH to really regulate what's going on in that bay.

Is there any way you all can take steps to make Akumal Bay a protected area with more boat regulations? I have read many messages on internet sites from people who will not return to Akumal Bay due to the boat overcrowding and dangers that come along with them.

Ultimately, without better regulations, the Akumal area is going to pay a high price, both in the deterioration of the reef and fewer tourist dollars to fund the local economy.

Thank you for reading this and considering these suggestions....
Mary Ford

ANSWER:
Dear Mary,

Thank you for your message and concern. We are struggling to do exactly what you mention, create a protected area and regulate boat activities more.

We have presented a proposal to the Ministry of the Environment and have defined limits to the number of boats with the local Port Captain. Now it is a matter of implementing what we have agreed upon, within the current legal framework, until we do get some federal legal area protection defined.

This is not an easy process, as you expierenced, so many people want to make money on such a limited space, so balancing economics and environment is the challenge we face. Hopefully, we will have stronger protection measures in place soon as we will all be able to see positive changes in Akumal bay.

Again, thank you for letting us know your thoughts.

Kind regards,
Paul

These Q&As first appear in Sac-be's September newsletter. Thanks to Sac-be for allowing them to be posted here.

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Akumal . . . in Decline selected for San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition

A blog reader sent this message:

Just an FYI... this video was selected to be among the 32 shown at this year's San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition which was held at the Qualcomm Hall in San Diego Aug 22-23. It was very well received. SDUFEX receives submissions from all over the world. All features are under 5 min in length.

A really great event for anyone interested in seeing quality presentations (all but one entry was shot in High-Def) ranging from just the beauty found in our underwater world to messages about conservation and research from all parts of the world. 2009 SDUFEX was announced for Sept 11-12, 2009.

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CEA works to create sea turtle refuge in Akumal

A report from Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA):

Threats to the local populations of endangered sea turtles are increasing as tourism development grows in the Riviera Maya. Akumal is characterized by its marine and coastal environments, representing a favorite habitat for sea turtle populations [Caretta Caretta(Loggerhead), Chelonia mydas (Green) and Eretmochelys imbricada (Hawksbill)]. They use the beaches, grasslands and reefs as nesting sites, feeding, breeding and growing areas. Akumalgets its name from these phenomena – “The Place of Turtles" in Maya.

Sustainable use of our natural resources is one of our main challenges in Akumal. We are working to increase environmental awareness in the community, of the importance of habitat and species protection, and wise use. Our main goal is the conservation of the coastal marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them, especially the sea turtles.

Therefore, it is necessary to establish official protection on Akumal’s marine environment. Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA), with the Akumal Development Council, local hotels and businesses and marine tourism operators, the National Protected Areas Commission (CONANP) and the Port Captain, along with the support of the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), has worked over the past several years to develop a local management program for the bays, and has recently initiated a process with the Wildlife Agency of the Ministry of the Environment to establish a Sea Turtle Refuge in Akumal, co-managed with the community, through its local environmental organization - Centro Ecológico Akumal. . . .

Sea Turtle Refuge and Community based Marine Management Program
In response to these threats, and in demonstration of the commitment of the local business and tourism community to protect their natural resources, a program was developed, with three broad objectives:

1) Control and manage the use of Akumal’s natural resources;
2) Rescue, preserve and learn about marine ecosystems in the bays of Akumal;
3) Protect the sea turtle population.

The Refuge initiative proposes the creation of refuge area for the sea turtles, from Aventuras Akumal in the south, all the way to Yal Ku Lagoon in the north, encompassing all of what is known as Akumal. This proposal would allow each bay to be managed by a local committee, in coordination with CEA, responding to each bay’s unique characteristics.

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Bay protection progress in Akumal, Mexico

The bay management plan, initiated by Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA), continues with the arrival of additional buoys to mark areas for swimmers, boats, and other activities. Increasing use of the bay, especially by tour operators and boatloads of guests from nearby resorts, threatens people, boats, turtles, coral and the entire ecosystem. Fortunately, several of the properties on the bay—Akumal Beach Resort, Hotel Club Akumal Caribe, Las Casitas, Akumal Dive Shop, Akumal Dive Center, and CEA, as well as local fishing tour operators and the Mexican environmental secretary (SEMARNAT), have reached consensus on the need for a management plan.

In the photo above, CEA Reef Program Director Joel Ortega (facing the camera) and Damon Henry, a CEA volunteer, attach a buoy to a 400-pound concrete mooring to anchor another buoy to mark off areas in the bay.

Click here to read more.

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CEA restores Akumal dunes

Coastal Dune Revegetation
by Miguel and Rosario

As part of the activities to certify the property and beach of Akumal Bay, CEA has involved volunteers in the revegetation of the protected coastal dune on our property. One of our first activities has been planting sea grape.

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Volunteers propose Akumal Bay patrol

From the bulletin board at locogringo.com:

As most of you know, I've met with Paul at the CEA, and discussed the difficulties of having only one kayak for the CEA's Akumal Bay Patrol. Angie Blinns & I had an idea, which I presented to Gary B. (shape shifter), and I also contacted Paul about it. There is the possibility of the CEA aquiring a second kayak, but due to the lack of sufficient numbers of CEA volunteers, it would be available for tourist volunteers to use to help patrol the bay, and make sure snorkellers and swimmers are following reef & turtle protection protocols. Guidelines for being a part of the bay patrol would be provided by the CEA. Gary B. will be meeting with Paul on his upcoming trip, and needs to know how much support this idea has. We, as tourists, are a part of the problem---but now, we can be an active part of the solution!! Would anyone be willing to donate a few hours of their vacation to help preserve an area that many of us love? The way I see it--I'm in the bay for most of my trips down there anyway, and it would be my pleasure to be doing something proactive for the bay. I hope my grandkids will be able to go down there and have as much enjoyment of the area as I have been fortunate enough to do. So, what does everyone think????

Read all the comments at LocoGringo.

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