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Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the past year, our thoughts are dominated by the two hurricanes that pounded our beautiful Caribbean coast. Amidst the extensive damage to our homes and to the environment, and the strain of dealing with the aftermath, we were comforted and inspired by the generous support of our friends. A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to Laura Bush Wolfe for housing CEA staff in her hotel during these trying times.
Although our offices and Information Center survived both storms with only minimal damage, Emily destroyed most of our dormitory rooms, forcing the relocation of our staff and the cancellation of most volunteer positions for the year.
With a budget drastically altered by the need to rebuild and with the absence of sorely needed volunteers, our staff has done a remarkable job in responding to an ever-increasing workload. Needless to say it has been difficult to focus on our day-to-day conservation work when so much effort has gone towards simply keeping the doors open. Priorities have been revisited and goals adjusted accordingly.
As we struggle to get back on track with our vision for the future of Akumal’s ecology, we are reassured by the same natural forces that unleashed this havoc. It seems there is always solace in the natural world, if only we take the time to understand the wisdom of its ways. We were reminded of nature’s resilience as we witnessed the amazing rate at which trees, reduced to naked sticks, sprouted new leaves twice in the span of a few months. Despite losing more nests to Emily than we had all of last year, the sea turtles were nesting again within a few days and we ended up with an average turtle season.
It will take longer to recover from the damage done by Wilma to our beloved bays and reefs. The coral will grow back only if we give it a rest from the constant insults of pollution, trampling and overuse. If we can all agree to treat these ecosystems more kindly, they too will mend.
Likewise, CEA will recover from this disastrous year and will emerge as a stronger and more dedicated organization, with a focus on protecting Akumal’s bays, improving waste management in the area, and providing visitors with more environmental information through our Center. And we need your help. Many of you have already responded to our special appeals following the hurricanes. We are very grateful for that support and do not wish to wear you out with yet another plea. However, we would like to remind you of just how much your contributions mean to us, and to ask that you keep us in mind during this holiday season, knowing that every penny donated goes towards a wonderful cause.
Thank you and, on behalf of the entire staff, I wish you a wonderful holiday season.
Paul Sánchez-Navarro
Director
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