Mexico Aims to be No. 1 Ecotourism Spot

Mexico has the potential to be the number one destination for ecotourism according to Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich who heads the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas or CONANP. Hoeflich estimates the industry could produce an extra US$3.6 billion in revenue a year.

"If we commit to doing the right things, then conservation, wildlife, and the tourist industry in Mexico will all be winners," explained Hoeflich.

The director of CONANP called for a significant portion of money to be provided for rural areas blighted by poverty and indigenous communities who play an important role within the nation's ecotourism infrastructure.

He also referred to a study carried out by the Secretariat for the Environment which claimed the bulk of revenue earned from ecotourism would remain within these communities.

"We think this form of socially-conscious tourism is a highly attractive way for these communities to benefit financially," said Hoeflich.

The report states money generated by ecotourism goes directly into the pockets of 80 percent of families from rural and indigenous backgrounds.

Improving Standards

However, Hoeflich warned areas which promote poorly organized ecotourism programs suffer as a consequence especially in places that are designated as having fragile eco-systems. He recalled that before the government passed the "Vida Silvestre" law many coastal areas were ravaged by over zealous developers constructing mega-sized luxury hotels and golf courses.

"Hoteliers are now a lot more conscious of their responsibilites regarding the environment and have conformed to the rules and regulations protecting the nation's natural habitat," added Hoeflich. 

Species such as the pink flamingo in Yucatan and the grey whale in Baja California saw their numbers diminish several years ago by the explosion of ecotourism in Mexico principally due to a lack of infrastructure and a poor understanding of the animals' natural environment.

Now the situation has changed dramtically. The government has issued strict guidelines on how ecotourism operators promote and manage their tours and enforce a gruelling vetting program.

One notable success story since order was brought to bear is the whale shark which has a seen a phenomenal rise in popularity over the past few years. Mexico has become one of the most important countries where whale shark tours are on offer and the government has used its success to promote ecotourism worldwide.

Translated from Notimex

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