CEA Electronic Communications are in English and Spanish. Para leer este boletín en español, favor de pulsar aquí. CEA Staff Participate in Conference Highlighting Decline of Mesoamerican Reef A consultancy of over 200 participants met at the Hilton Hotel in Cancún September 28-30, with the goal of discussing the destruction of the Mesoamerican Reef and what can be done about this most serious problem. Those attending and contributing ranged from biological scientists to cultural anthropologists to representatives of non-governmental and non-profit organizations. CEA was represented by Marine and Coastal Protection Program Coordinator Lucy Gallagher-Freymuth and CEA Director Paul Sánchez-Navarro. In preparation for the governmental meeting in December of this year to discuss advances in reef conservation since the Tulúm Declaration was signed eight years ago, the conference was organized by the Tulum+8 Initiative in conjunction with the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System Project. The purpose of the conference was to develop a greater understanding of the problems of human development in our beloved Caribbean coast and drew participants mainly from México, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and the United States. At the conclusion of the event, Paul reported that although some strides were made toward a better understanding of the reef’s plight, much still needs to be done to change our whole way of developing, whether for tourism or for other economic activities, or all our efforts to save the reef will fail. Beach Cleanup Day at CEA a Success by Kurt Boettger On Saturday, September 24, CEA staff and volunteers were joined by several community members to take part in International Beach Cleanup Day. Although the worldwide International Beach Cleanup Day was on September 17, México had officially changed its date to one week later in recognition of Mexican Independence Day, which was held on the 16th. The cleanup included Half Moon Bay, Jade Beach, and Playa Tortuga, and yielded about nine full 50-gallon trash bags of garbage. The most frequently found items were perhaps typical beach rubbish: hundreds of plastic bottles and bottle caps; pieces of random plastic; Styrofoam and rope, mainly from fishing buoys; and almost uncountable chunks of glass. Among the most interesting or perhaps disheartening objects found were tires, rusted anchors, dozens of toothbrushes (presumably thrown overboard from cruise ships), a washed-up metal folding chair and a large chunk of a door from a boat. The event was organized by CEA’s Marine and Coastal Protection Program Coordinator Lucy Gallagher-Freymuth, and assisting in the cleanup were Kate Riley, Gustavo Grugera, Sandra Decasper, Maria Fancon, Daryl Vomlehn, Vanesa Nott Bilbao, Ivan Cabellero, Kim Welsch, Paul Sánchez-Navarro, Ana Licin Cordova, Guillermina Marin, Marv Tello Bayardi, Karla Davila, Eugenia Russian, Fernanda Calleja Lobo, Silvia Kozak, Ma Eugenia Garcia, Mariano Vaudagna, Maren Oerke, Rafael Gonzalez, Freya Mills, Katie Gledhill, and five extremely helpful children from the school in Akumal Pueblo. Finally we’d like to thank the following businesses for donating materials without which the event would not have been possible: Ixchel Boutique, Las Villas Akumal, La Buena Vida, Super Chomak and Mayan Adventures. Environmental Education Program Update by Mauricio Bautista Vega CEA's Environmental Education Coordinator, Mauricio Bautista Vega, and Marine and Coastal Protection Coordinator, Lucy Gallagher-Freymuth, recently trained tour guides from Mayan Adventures in good environmental practices to be applied at their snorkel tour sites. They learned how to apply the separation of garbage and composting of organics at their dining areas. The organization is also considering building an artificial wetland for the treatment of their dishwater. In exchange, Mayan Adventures helped CEA staff and volunteers teach fifth and sixth grade schoolchildren from the Francisco Sarabia Primary School about our watershed. Topics included what a watershed is, the types of watersheds, the species that inhabit them, and their economic importance. To reinforce these concepts, the kids were taken to Aktun Ko (Puma’s Cave) cenote, where they saw firsthand how a watershed works, learning about cenotes, geological formations and natural filtration, among other topics. These activities, unusual for these children, were a big hit. They particularly enjoyed snorkeling. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, Mayan Adventures gave away snorkeling equipment to each child. The kids expressed their thanks for the experience and all that they learned. In the following weeks, similar field trips are planned with students from the José Vasconcelos middle school. Farewell from Ivan by Ivan Caballero Over the six months of a nesting season many things can happen: getting hit by a hurricane, losing loved ones, volunteers come and go, thousands of hatchlings emerging from our beaches. But above all one can have the satisfaction of succeeding in one’s goals and achieving one’s dreams. The 2005 season could have been the most successful in years, with hundreds of turtles visiting the beaches of Akumal. Most were repeat visitors who have been coming for years; a few more were new to these beaches. Unfortunately, Hurricane Emily destroyed most nests, although many did hatch in the weeks following the hurricane, reminding us that nature doesn’t need help to protect her own. However at the end of this season, the last thing I wish to talk about is the turtles. I’d rather take this opportunity to acknowledge each and every one of the volunteers who were with me night after night and thank them for their dedication. I’d also like to thank all those members of the community who have always supported me, people whom I’d like to mention here: Mary & Linda; Bart & Jennifer; Rocio; all the guys from Las Palmas; Akumal Real Estate; particularly Hector; Scott & Dani; Laura; Robin; Paty; everyone at the Bakery; Don Arturo; Tony; Pablo and Nayeli; Bob; Bud; Didier; Nadia and Kevin; Brian; Juan and Lorinda; and Red Beard (I still don’t know your name). It's difficult to say goodbye when we’ve shared such valuable friendships in a place so different from what I was used to in Mexico City. Goodbye and thank you to those with whom I shared all kinds of moments, both personal and professional: David (my brother), Rafa and Lucy (the dynamic duo), Jim Petersen (beloved elder). Thanks to all who believed in me and in my work. To those who challenged me, thank you as well (you made me stronger). Thanks be to God for the opportunity to learn more about who I am and where I’m headed. Thanks to all who gave me the opportunity to be their friend. Thanks to those who considered me an adversary; you gave me temperance. Thank you. Environmental Policy Workshop CEA once again hosted an informative workshop aimed at the general public on October 6. The focus of the event was on Environmental Policy Tools, touching on subjects such as Ecological Zoning, Environmental Impact Assessments, Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, and how to report environmental crimes to the authorities, among other topics having to do with environmental law. Patricio Martin, Director of the Quintana Roo Chapter of Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental (Mexican Environmental Law Center), was the speaker. The event was a success, with members of the Akumal community exceeding the expected attendance. With events such as these, CEA continues to express its commitment to the community and to its mission. Staff Birthdays October 12 - Ivan Caballero Gamero, Marine Turtle Protection Program Coordinator November Environmental Calendar Veterinary Clinic November 12 & 13. Volunteer veterinarians, technicians and concerned citizens will be holding a free spay and neuter clinic in the Akumal Pueblo at the school. Universal Children's Day November 20 To invest in our children is to invest in our collective future. In just the past decade alone, two million children have died due to military conflict, 12 million have become homeless, and 10 million have suffered serious psychological damage. Over 120 million children are deprived of elementary education. A lack of clean water and proper sanitation kills at least two million children a year. At least 10 million are infected with HIV and another 15 million have lost at least one parent to AIDS. World Children’s Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the world we wish we had, and on what we can do to ensure that our children grow up in a healthy, secure and peaceful environment. For more information, click here. World Buy Nothing Day November 26 No Purchase Necessary! The challenge is to try simple living for a day, to spend time with family and friends, rather than spend money on them. As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? The argument is broad and deep—while it continues we should be looking for simple solutions. Buy Nothing Day is a good place to start. Please continue to tell your friends about CEA! Many CEA Members join after being referred to CEA by people like you. If you have questions about how you can become more involved, please contact us. The Yucatan Environmental Foundation is the U.S. 501(c)(3) fiscal agent for CEA. All donations made through YEF for CEA are tax-deductible in the U.S. If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, or simply need to contact CEA, please click here.