The
Maya ForestThe
Maya Forest
This pilot project will involve working with the local community ("ejido") of Veinte de Noviembre located within the Model Forest of Calakmul, southeastern Mexico. An ecotourism management plan will be developed to benefit this local community and tourists who visit the area. Furthermore, this plan will serve as a framework for ecotourism development in other local ejidos within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve region.
Steps in developing an ecotourism management plan begin with a site inventory of the natural and cultural attractions and existing infrastructure within the ejido that residents want to incorporate into ecotourism. Goals and objectives are then established to guide the planning process. After interpretive objectives for the various sites are established, interpretive media will be recommended. A market study on tourists in the region will tell us valuable information on who the tourist is, their interests, important services and what value they place on educational and cultural experiences in a Mayan ejido. This project takes a holistic approach that will take into account the various aspects necessary for successful ecotourism development including trainings, promotion, and services.
Ecotourism is a style of tourism that can be sustainable ecologically, economically, and socially. And with planning, ecotourism can establish continuing sources of employment and income that actually require keeping cultural and natural resources intact. Ecotourism also provides many opportunities for on-site educational and interpretational programs which can play an important role in the management of protected areas and acquainting and connecting visitors with the values of what is being protected.
 | Project SiteVeinte de Noviembre is located in southeastern Mexico in the state of Compeche near the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and about 12 km (7.5 miles) southeast from X'pujil. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Natural Resources of Veinte de Noviembre Whether the ecotourist is interested in medicinal plants used by ancient and present Mayan culture or the abundance and variety of tropical bird life, the flora and fauna within Veinte de Noviembre has a lot to offer. There are opportunities for guided tours and cabin stays where one is completely immersed in the sights and sounds of the Maya Forest. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cultural Resources of Veinte de
Noviembre ARCHAEOLOGY: One must pass through Veinte de Noviembre to visit the famous archaeological site Rio Bec, located 12 km (7.5 miles) from the ejido. In addition to Rio Bec, there are many ruins that are still partially covered by forest vegetation, including Okolhuitz, Orquidia, and El Ramonal. CRAFTS: The ejido has an "artesania" where one can watch ejido members making the traditional Mayan woman's dress, the Huipil, as well as hammocks and wooden handicrafts, among others. Next door you can purchase one of these souvenirs as a memento of your experience here. TRADITIONAL MAYAN CUISINE: Experience the exotic and tantalizing cuisine of the Maya, from Pibi Pollo to Brazo de Reina. See how these traditional foods are prepared as you enjoy lunch in Mayan style. | ||||||||||||||||||
| UWSP
- Universidad Aut�noma Chapingo Relationship
UWSP and Universidad Aut�noma Chapingo (UACh) are developing an inter-institutional program of study that crosses cultural borders and will incorporate CNR's Global Environmental Management (GEM) vision of integrating curriculum and international learning.
Research Support and Special Thanks To:
My Graduate Committee:
-THE TWO MAYAN CERAMIC PHOTOS USED ON THIS PAGE WERE USED WITH THE PERMISSION OF NICHOLAS HELLMUTH, FLAAR PHOTO ARCHIVE FROM THE MUSEO POPOL VUH, UNIVERSIDAD FRANCISCO MARROQUIN- -OTHER PHOTOS IN THIS WEBSITE WERE TAKEN BY THE RESEARCHER OR WERE USED WITH THE PERMISSION OF ROBERT MILLER OR CREDITED OTHERWISE-
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[Project Site] [Natural Resources][Cultural Resources][UWSP-Chapingo]
