Royal Resorts is a longtime supporter of conservation in the Mexican Caribbean and is always looking for ways to reduce its environmental footprint. Through an alliance with local NGO Amigos de Sian Ka’an, the Royal Resorts Foundation contributes to the protection of jungle and wetland ecosystems and the rare creatures that inhabit them, hydrological studies, coral reef monitoring and sustainable development.
Home of the jaguar, tapir, spider and howler monkeys, hundreds of species of birds and thousands of different trees and plants, the Maya Jungle is an ecological treasure house. Widely regarded as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, it is an important green lung and defense against climate change. Yet, its riches are under threat from urban sprawl, deforestation, forest fires and pollution. The Royal Resorts Foundation and Amigos de Sian Ka’an support an initiative to safeguard four million hectares of tropical forest in the state of Quintana Roo that are not currently protected. The goal is to create biological corridors linking biosphere reserves so that wildlife can move freely through the area to feed and breed and to preserve the area’s rich natural heritage and help combat climate change.
Deep under the forest floor lies another hidden treasure, a complex network of cenotes or sinkholes and the longest underground rivers discovered to date anywhere in the world. This vast aquifer is the only source of fresh water in the limestone landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula. By protecting the jungle and preventing pollution, we can help to keep this water pure for future generations.
Amigos de Sian Ka’an biologists monitor the health of reefs in the Riviera Maya, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and Banco Chinchorro. They are on the lookout for signs of coral bleaching associated with climate change and disease. They also monitor fish populations, seaweed cover and the spread of exotic species such as lionfish. Other Amigos teams have an environmental education role and there are programs to promote sustainable development, including community tourism in villages in Sian Ka’an and the Zona Maya as part of the Maya Ka’an ecotourism destination.
