By Lulu Bravo, April 2004
México currently
has more than 150 protected areas which main objective
is to preserve and generate conservation of our unique
natural resources. Each area will eventually develop a
Visitor center and this is how the Sian ka'an visitor
center is born. The center is situated south of Tulum
(15 kms.), just before Boca Paila, in the Northern part
of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve in a small portion
of land that divides the sea of a coastal lagoon . The
site is surrounded of tropical vegetation like palms,
mangroves and orchids. |
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The Sian ka'an visitor center is a model of sustainability in Quintana Roo and will also serve as a model for the rest of Mexico as this one of the first of such projects in Mexico.
Some of the goals of the visitor center are:
1. Provide information on
the research and protection projects the reserve has in
Siankaan.
2. Provide education and environmental awareness through
Eco educational tours for schools and universities from
Mexico and the rest of the world: In these tours students
can learn more about the incredible and unique ecosystems
of the Yucatan peninsula (Jungle, wetlands and Caribbean
coast), as well as the wildlife in the area and friendly
environmental technology. |
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3. Training courses and consulting: Focused on
prepare micro, small, medium and big enterprises to become sustainable
in economic, social and environmental criteria.
4. Eco Lodging : The visitor center has 6 comfortable rooms,
that give travelers the opportunity to experiment a night in
a unique and unspoiled area. The center has a photovoltaic system
and solar panels for energy supply, a special water treatment
based on artificial wetlands, and compost system for organic
garbage. Take a look at our Visitor
Center for more information about Eco Lodging and Eco tours
5. Eco Tours : The visitor center offers information on all
the different options of tourism activities that can be done
through all the reserve (Punta Allen, Muyil, Boca Paila, Punta
Herrero). All the tours are conducted with trained guides on
environmental interpretation and provide information on the
great biodiversity the reserve has as well as alternatives to
participate helping in preserving the Sian ka'an wildlife. Some
of the tours that can be done are:
Kayak, boat trips, snorkel in the reef, birdwatching, hiking
expeditions, fly fishing trips, bicycle tours and wildlife observation
(marine turtles, dolphins, manatees, birds, etc).
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Some of the facilities the visitor center
has are: an observation tower (50 feet high), restaurant,
souvenir store and soon a museum. |
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