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Jorge Chàvez de la Peña Jorge Chàvez de la Peña is the Winner of the 2004 Colibri Ecotourism Award, First presented in 2001, the Colibri Ecotourism Award is presented to a leading authority and catalyst at the vanguard of ecotourism.
Jorge Chàvez de la Peña developed Mexico's first ecotourism curriculum and university diploma program for the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, where he worked for 22 years. He also worked for Mexico's tourism secretariat (SECTUR) as General Director of Education and more recently he has worked independently as a consultant on sustainable development and tourism.
Jorge's long-anticipated book Ecotourism TAP: Methodology for Planned Environmental Tourism (Ecoturismo TAP: Metodologìa para Turismo Ambientalmente Planificado) was published by Editorial Trillas. And in 2008 a new book, Diversidad cultural y ecoturismo, will be published.
On behalf of the FUNDACION EMERGE BAK’HALAL Jorge Chavez met with the DIRECTOR GENERAL DE FOMENTO AMBIENTAL URBANO Y TURISTICO, from SEMARNAT (Environment and Natural Resources Ministry) and he requested her help in creating the first PUEBLO MÁGICO SUSTENTABLE in this country and she accepted. So we have an opportunity to have more low impact development here, rather than duplicating the disasters that have occurred in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and other Mexican tourism destinations.
Dr. Jerry “River” Kaster is a Senior Scientist, at the Center for Great Lakes Studies, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee,. and was the Interim Director, Center for Great Lakes Studies, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, during 1996-1997. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, in Invertebrate Biology. He does worldwide consulting in Water Ecological and Management Solutions Dr. Kaster says, The lake today is on the cusp of becoming one of the most threatened lakes in the world. Recently discovered by the tourism industry, construction of new accommodations is accelerating rapidly, yet there is no concomitant effort for environmental protection, e.g. there is no infrastructure for sewage treatment and efforts that produce change are slow. Mexican and some international scientists are well aware of the groundwater and sanitation problems of the Yucatan Peninsula and numerous groups are working to bring this to the attention of the world community. Laguna Bacalar is a special focus point. Focusing attention to this unique Mexican natural treasure through stewardship, educational, and scientific activities will enhance the preservation of Laguna Bacalar as economic development progresses. To do nothing will accelerate the gradual degradation of Laguna.” We are very fortunate to have individuals with the credentials of these two men to help preserve the quality of the Laguna, and the quality of life for those who live here. With the help of these two men and their network of scientists and environmental experts we have an opportunity to influence the way development occurs around Laguna Bacalar.
BUT: This will take money to hire Jorge Chavez. He proposes to create a plan for the sustainable development that will result in Bacalar becoming a PUEBLO MÁGICO SUSTENTABLE . This is important to all of us who love the Laguna. There is no similar world class lake in Mexico, and no other lake so immediately threatened.
At this time we need to raise $10,000 to hire Jorge Chavez for the next 6 months to do an assessment and help us create the communication between all players, government, locals, businesses and foreigners to undertake this project of creating and sustaining this vision.
Lite supper will be provided
Translation will be provided by Dr.Jacqui McGrath and Luis Gonzalas Dodd If you can attend this event and participate in the fundraising initiative please RSVP me as soon as possible. If you can’t attend but would like to donate please contact me: Mallina Visarraga 983 124 0240 mallanalli@yahoo.com |
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