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by Kurt Boettger and Lucy Gallagher-Freymuth
As the human population in Akumal grows and the associated development begins to intrude on the ecology of the area, certain measures are necessary in order to maintain a proper balance of people and the environment. Stemming from the desire of all those who live, work and play in and around Akumal to maintain the marine ecology, which is the lifeblood and main attraction of this incredible region, CEA is moving forward with plans to establish the surrounding coast as an official marine protected area (MPA).
The specifics of what the implementation of this plan means to Akumal have yet to be determined, because MPAs are designed in a case-by-case scenario and each MPA throughout the world is different, being made to adapt to the problems and solutions of the area. What is known is that the establishment of an MPA will give proper authority to the best practices for the social, economic, and ecological environment of the area and will help strengthen the relationship between Akumalians and local authorities in protecting the coastal waters.
In the case of Akumal, the MPA will stretch approximately from the entrance of Yal-Kú lagoon to Akumal Sur, and from the shore to about 60 meters in ocean depth.
Assisting CEA in this project is the National Council for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).
There are several proposed changes that will take place in this area once the MPA is in effect, but these will need to be discussed and decided on by all those who will be affected and involved, i.e. fishermen, marine service providers, boat captains, hotel and property owners, local and foreign investors, and representatives from the local community. CEA is suggesting that several stakeholder meetings take place during the last week of November and the first week of December, at which the following themes will be presented and discussed:
1. What is a Marine Protected Area?
2. The Role of MPAs in protecting marine habitats and biodiversity
3. How do MPAs benefit tourism?
4. Replenishing the ecology and geomorphology of Akumal’s bays
5. Best practices in marine recreation
6. Conserving Akumal’s reef ecosystems
The design and establishment of an MPA is a long and perhaps arduous process that must be agreed upon by the stakeholders, but it is CEA’s hope that all those involved will see the necessity of the plan to preserve the very thing that attracts us all to this part of México and the world. For reasons of public safety and ecological preservation we cannot continue down the path we are on today, with little or no enforcement of laws and good practices meant to protect the reefs and beaches, leading to the decline of the quality of this region. It has been proven time and time again throughout the world, mainly in the past 20 years, that the development of MPAs serves to improve the ecological and economical standing of whole communities. While many variables are yet to be discussed and determined, it is clear for us at CEA that this is the necessary next step to a better and more beautiful Akumal.
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