EcoColors in 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 and 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 in the areas of watershed management, fisheries and tourism. An alliance of multilateral and non-government organizations, led by 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 influence 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 marine protected areas – have a major influence on how tourist activities impact natural and cultural resources along the MAR.

Establish a mechanism that enables the most directly affected stakeholders to adopt, adapt or develop:

Guidelines that educate visitor’s about their potential impacts on the environment and specify behavior that is consistent with the principles of genuine sustainability and discourage behavior that is not;

Voluntary standards that motivate marine recreation providers to encourage their clients to comply with relevant guidelines and set out appropriate operational practices for marine recreation providers;

A Regional Code of Conduct for Marine Recreation that compiles the guidelines and voluntary standards in one volume.

EcoColors is currently working in the above project coordinating the activities done in mexico to precisely get  marine recreation providers to adopt this voluntary standards to eventually achieve a rational use of the reef.
More information on this project can be seen in:

www.coralreefalliance.org

Besides this project EcoColors acts in other projects as a link between the researchers and NGO´s 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 in contacting us.