Ecological Sustainability in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Bahias de Huatulco is one of the biggest ecosystems in the Mexican Republic, to such grade, that mexican president Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon declared it a protected zone, and in time, became a national park. The first proposal was made by the Environmental Secretary, Natural Resources and Fishing, Marine and Telecommunications & Transports in 1997.
Large portions of the Bahias de Huatulco resort area are located within an "ecological zone"; much of the area is protected from future development, and the area is serviced by modern water and sewage treatment plants so that no waste goes into its pristine bays. Huatulco has been awarded the Green Globe certification, and it is the only resort in Mexico to receive this prestigious award (Green Globe is the worldwide benchmarking and certification system for the travel and tourism industry across the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental management).
Fonatour, the Mexican government development and tourism promotion agency, also designed Huatulco as the greenest of the country's five new resort areas and also transferred 30,000 acres to another agency for preservation as a national park. There is not yet any infrastructure, but the dense jungle, coral reefs, bays and beaches within park boundaries are protected. Biologists and wildlife experts have document 413 plant species, 130 species and subspecies of mammals, 291 species or birds, 72 species of reptiles and 15 amphibian species, as well as fish and shellfish that live in the sea. It is an astonishing accomplishment for a country that has had, at best, a checkered environmental and ecological record.
In 2000, Mexico's first ecologically minded integrated living community got started. It was designed from the outset with consciously eco-friendly architecture, design, and environmental extras, such as a water reclamation system that keeps the challenging 18-hole golf course green. It earned a prestigious Green Globe 21 award. It was the first community in the Americas and third in the world that earned the designation, attracting the attention of eco-minded luxury lovers.
Recycling, water purification and aggressive sewage treatment also have contributed to Huatulco's certification in 2006 as a Green Globe Community. In fact, it became the organization's first recognized tourist destination in the Americas.
Huatulco is the first community in the Americas to achieve Certified Status under the Green Globe Community Standard. Located along the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, this city includes 52,500 acres and 36 beaches, with 70 percent of the land preserved in ecological reserves.
To achieve this award, Huatulco made major strides in key areas including reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency and improving management of freshwater resources. Cultural and social aspects were also evaluated. The Huatulco Green Team's strategies included providing environmental education to students at local schools, organizing community seminars and conducting clean up campaigns to promote waste reduction.
What Are Green Globe Standards?
Our standards address the major environmental issues that face our planet today. They set out the criteria for Certification and provide an environmental management framework for companies and communities.
Broadly speaking, our Standards focus on performance outcomes in the following key areas:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Energy efficiency, conservation and management
- Management of freshwater resources
- Ecosystem conservation and management
- Management of social and cultural issues
- Land use planning and management
- Air quality protection and noise control
- Waste water management
- Solid waste management
- Storage of environmentally harmful substances
Ten Commandments
Respect the frailty of the earth. Realize that unless all are willing to help in its preservation, unique and beautiful destinations may not be here for future generations to enjoy.
Leave only footprints. Take only photographs. No graffiti! No litter! Do not take away souvenirs from historical sites and natural areas.
To make your travels more meaningful, educate yourself about the geography, customs, manners and cultures of the region you visit. Take time to listen to the people. Encourage local conservation efforts.
Respect the privacy and dignity of others. Inquire before photographing people.
Do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as ivory, tortoise shell, animal skins, and feathers.
Always follow designated trails. Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats.
Learn about and support conservation-oriented programs and organizations working to preserve the environment.
Whenever possible, walk or use environmentally-sound methods of transportation. Encourage drivers of public vehicles to stop engines when parked.
Patronize those (hotels, airlines, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and suppliers) who advance energy and environmental conservation; water and air quality; recycling; safe management of waste and toxic materials; noise abatement, community involvement; and which provide experienced, well-trained staff dedicated to strong principles of conservation.
Encourage organizations to subscribe to environmental guidelines. We urge organizations to adopt their own environmental codes to cover special sites and ecosystems.
Travel is a natural right of all people and is a crucial ingredient of world peace and understanding. With that right comes responsibilities. We encourage the growth of peaceful tourism and environmentally responsible travel.
Code Of Conduct
As a traveller, you can do a lot to help ensure that tourism in developing countries remains a positive experience for everyone. The following guidelines offer suggestions for low-impact and culturally sensitive travel:
- Stay on the trail - Straying from the trail while hiking can cause erosion and other environmentally harmful impacts.
- Viewing animals from a safe distance is fine; touching, feeding, or cornering them is not.
- Do not buy products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat destruction, or come from endangered species.
- Don't litterThis is one time when the old adage "When in Rome, do as the Romans" doesn't apply. Even if you see a local person littering, set an example and dispose of your garbage appropriately.
- Recycling is extremely limited or non-existent in most developing countries. Avoid products with excess packaging; opt for beverages in glass bottles as they tend to be re-used.