On June 5, World Environment Day, the Royal Resorts Foundation donated $281,984 pesos to Amigos de Sian Ka’an in support of its conservation projects in Quintana Roo.
From turtle protection to recycling, reducing plastic pollution, saving water and energy, and reforestation among others, for Royal Resorts the role of environmental stewardship is of the utmost importance. Conservation is one of the key causes of the Royal Resorts Foundation, and it is a longtime supporter of Amigos de Sian Ka’an.
Founded in 1986, following the designation of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Amigos de Sian Ka’an is a Cancun-based conservation NGO with a scope that has gone far beyond the borders of the huge reserve. It has been instrumental in the protection of more than 1,100,000 hectares of jungle, wetlands and marine ecosystems and the creation of 13 different reserves in the state of Quintana Roo designated by the state and federal governments.
Its multidisciplinary team of scientists works on conservation projects in the Mayan Jungle and wetlands and to protect wildlife, mapping the state of Quintana Roo’s and Yucatan’s precious aquifers and creating a water management policy that protects the underground rivers and cenotes. Marine biologists monitor the health of the Mesoamerican Reef, fish populations and the eradication of invasive species such as the lion fish and devil fish. Others are involved in sustainable development projects in Mayan communities, combating climate change and environmental education.
The Maya Ka’an community tourism initiative has the goal of bringing visitors to Mayan villages in the reserve and central Quintana Roo and improve the livelihoods of their inhabitants.
MARTI, the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative is a joint program with the public and private sector to establish better environmental practices in hotels, cruise lines, marinas and other tourism companies and protect the coral reefs and other ecosystems in the area.
For more information on Amigos de Sian Ka’an conservation programs visit www.amigosdesiankaan.org
