 |
|
They’re a Bunch of Turtle-Huggers! (not literally)
 
Gary Bemis models his creation
by Shelly Rodriguez
Recently, the CEA newsletter mentioned a fundraising campaign led by a group of tourists. The campaign focuses on educational efforts for reef and turtle protection and includes contributions to a fund, which supports the printing of magnets, vinyl signs and beach signs. The group also raised money selling turtle T-shirts. We’ve been asked by more than one reader, "Who are those LocoGringos?"
Here’s a clue: LocoGringos can be identified by the logo coolers they carry around, by the banner that hangs at gatherings at Lol-Ha and La Buena Vida, by the turtle T-shirts now sported in pride, and by the joyful voices heard when they arrive in Quintana Roo. Many of the LGs have been coming to this area, and to Akumal in particular, for more than 20 years; others are making their first trip in 2006. Some come for an annual vacation, while others have purchased property and now make the area a part-time home. They are of all ages and experiences, and are an international group, with members in the U.S., Canada, and several European and Latin American countries. They’ve developed long-lasting friendships, and have seen each other through marriages and divorces, illnesses, births and deaths, and even Hurricanes Emily and Wilma. Yet, most have only met via the online community forum sponsored by Gary and Kay Walten’s LocoGringo.com. They are a diverse group, with one thing in common—a love of the reef and especially the turtles.
Members of the group have watched in dismay as new visitors, some moving south from Wilma-damaged Cancún, descended on the area with little or no education of proper reef and turtle behavior. Stories of chasing and holding turtles, breaking off pieces of coral, damaging nests, and more were posted on the forum, and shocked LGs went into action. This shock and their love for the turtles—a love that has branded the LGs as turtle-huggers—drove a small group of activists to develop the Turtle and Reef Protection Fund.
The group worked together, as volunteers, to design an image and message, written in English, Spanish and Italian, that was printed on magnets for refrigerators in condos and villas, and will be printed on vinyl stickers for mirrors or doors at the Akumal Beach Resort. Beach signs with a similar message also are being created now. They are supported by contributions to this fund. The group also has developed, and is selling, turtle T-shirts, now sported on more than 150 visitors. Contributions to the fund have come in from all over the world, in large and small amounts, and LGs have also promoted CEA membership, and adoption of baby turtles, families, and nests.
The group has been thrilled to forge new relationships with Paul and the CEA crew, with some of the owners in Akumal, with members of the Consejo de Desarrollo de Akumal, and with the thousands of visitors who leave the area with a better understanding of the need to protect the environment. Thanks to everyone who has participated. If you want more information, or would like to order a limited-edition T-shirt, please click here. If you would like to donate to the Fund, please click here.
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
