Xel-Ha Blog

Thanks to the sponsorship of eco-parks Xcaret and Xel-Ha, both from Quintana Roo, Mexico, the Threatened Species and Spaces in the Caribbean exhibition opened at the UNAM’s (National Autonomous University of Mexico) Universum Science Museum. This exhibition aims to spread appreciation for the ecosystems in one of Mexico’s most beautiful regions, as well as one of the most fragile in its biodiversity.

“The only viable alternative to achieve the preservation of biodiversity, and simultaneously, a dignified social development for the inhabitants of this region, is to join our resources with those of academia, and base strategic decisions on scientific investigation, and successfully effectuate sustainable development”, remarked Iliana Rodriguez, during her speech on behalf of the natural parks that have endorsed scientific investigation on caring for the environment during several years.

Threatened Species and Spaces in the Caribbean is an exhibition that shows the latest breakthroughs in study, protection, and preservation of species and ecosystems such as the green and loggerhead sea turtles, the queen conch, the underground waterway network of  Quintana Roo, as well as the barrier reef.

Xcaret and Xel-Há are both companies that have long appreciated the importance of academic alliances to finance scientific investigation. This is vital in decision-making regarding the management of natural zones, the species that live therein, and society’s approach in interacting with both.

“The Caribbean is thought to be one of the four most important areas for the preservation of biodiversity on our planet, and is simultaneously amongst the top ten social priorities due to its severe poverty…Seeking balance in such contrasts is a labour in which private corporations must take part, alongside investigators and non-profit social organisations,” remarked Iliana Rodriguez upon emphasising the transcendence of other recently achieved projects.

This is one of the fundamental reasons why Xcaret has promoted the study and preservation of sea turtles from 18 years ago till today, with both financial and human resources, in coordination with Flora, Fauna, and Culture of Mexico, a non-profit, civilian organisation. Another relevant project endorsed by Xcaret is the study of coral reefs, since the Caribbean harbours one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world, only second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

On the other hand, Xel-Ha has sponsored the study of Quintana Roo’s hydro- geological system since 2005, in alliance with the Water Network, of the Mexican Science Academy, and alongside investigators from the Geophysics and Geology departments of the UNAM, as well as the Centre for Water Studies, of the Yucatan Centre of Scientific Investigation (CICY).

Since 2003, Xel-Ha has also endorsed the Centre for Investigations and Advanced Studies, of the National Politechnical Institute (IPN), Merida campus, represented by Dr. Dalila Aldana. Xel-Ha has given financial and operational support for the study of Strombus gigas, commonly known as the Queen Conch, for its protection and preservation. The park has also sponsored the publishing of two books: “El Caracol Strombus gigas”, and “La vida del Caracol Rosado.”

The inauguration of this exhibition enjoyed the presence of celebrities such as first actress Ursula Prats, Jose Luis Aramburu, head of Televisa Verde; Gabriela Sara Guzzy Arredondo, Universum sub-director; Gustavo Tolson, head of the Geology Institute of the UNAM; Rene Asomoza, head of the Centre of Advanced Studies of the IPN; Gina Taboada, executive coordinator of Flora, Fauna, and Culture of Mexico; Mario Rebolledo, CICY investigator; Ricardo Saenz, head of Sustainable Management of Xel-Ha Park; as well as Rodolfo Raigoza Figueras, Wild Fauna manager for Xcaret park.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 9:38 am and is filed under News feature, Special Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.