EcoColors & Conservation

The Icran Mesoamerican Reef Alliance Project

Sustainable Tourism Component

The Mesoamerican Reef faces serious threats from natural events such as hurricanes, predators and disease as well as human activities including global warming, pollution, sedimentation, destructive fishing practices and tourism. Fortunately, these threats have been recognized and a number of regional initiatives are endangering the Mesoamerican Reef. These could lead to adverse economic impact and reduced food supplies, shoreline protection and bio-diversity. By conserving the Mesoamerican Reef, we not only protect this unique marine ecosystem, but we also preserve and enhance local jobs, income, food and the natural beauty of the coast for local communities and tourists alike.

In October 2004, a new initiative was launched to reduce negative impacts on the Mesoamerican Reef system through the adoption of better environmental practices regarding watershed management, fisheries and tourism. An alliance of multilateral and non-government organizations, with the leadership of the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN), is facilitating implementation of these practices. Funded by the United Nations Foundation and the U.S Agency for International Development, this three-year project brings together a wealth of technical expertise under the banner of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Alliance.

The ICRAN MAR Alliance Project goes beyond impact studies and policy development to proactive initiatives with tangible beneficial results for the marine recreation sector. This brochure describes what will be done in the area of tourism and highlights opportunities to participate in these efforts and to have an influence on the outcome.

Marine recreation providers – such as companies that operate snorkeling and diving, boating, jet skiing and recreational fishing excursions, as well as resource managers of protected marine areas – have a major influence on how tourist activities impact natural and cultural resources along the MAR.

Establish a mechanism that enables involved stakeholders to adopt, adapt or help develop:

EcoColors is currently working on the project described above. We are coordinating the activities practised in mexico in order to bring together marine recreation providers to adopt the voluntary standards. The goal is to achieve a rational use of the reef in order to limit tourism impacts.
Please find more information on this project here:

www.coralreefalliance.org

Next to this, EcoColors acts as a link between researchers and NGOs in other conservation projects. Here, we are coordinating between the people who conduct the project and those people who want to contribute to conservation through time or money. If you require more information do not hesitate to contact us.