Mexico is the top solar energy producer in Latin America. With an abundant supply of sunshine and with fossil fuels in a dwindling state, they are looking forward to a sustainable century.
http://www.mexicotoday.org/article/mexico-solar-capacity-doubles-2012
Mexico has one of the best and most aggressive turtle conservation programs in the world. It wasn’t always so. I can remember the days of being able to order turtle soup in many of the towns of Baja, where you could also easily buy turtle oil. But now from Cabo to the Riviera Maya there are programs designed to ensure that future generations will be able to observe these magnificent creatures far into the future http://www.mexicotoday.org/article/sea-turtle-conservation-riviera-maya
Mexico is leading Latin America in new Green projects. From rainwater reclamation, to wind power, to solar, new projects are being planned at a rapid pace.
http://www.mexicotoday.org/article/semv-new-solar-project-mexico
Mexico is making great strides and has a leader in Latin America in addressing the worldwide problems associated with climate change. Lets hope that the new administration continues into the future. Please see this article for more information
http://www.mexicotoday.org/article/new-law-helps-fight-climate-change-mexico
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Mexico City, 15 January 2012.- Earlier today, President Calderón announced the cancellation of the Cabo Cortés Project in Cabo Pulmo.
Cabo Pulmo, in the Sea of Cortés in Baja California, is the only coral reef in the Gulf of California. An incomparable part of Mexico’s natural heritage, it is one of the reefs with the highest coral coverage in the world. In 1995, over 7,000 ha of the surface, including Cabo Pulmo, were decreed a Natural Protected area under the category of Natural Park. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005 and an important wetland by Conservation Ramsar in 2008.
During his message, the president explained that the Hansa Baja firm had applied for a building permit for a mega tourist development known as Cabo Cortés. Due to Cabo Pulmo’s environmental importance, the possibility that the Cabo Cortés development might be built elicited the concern of local communities, academics and environmental organizations. The concern involved the fact that a development on this scale could harm the coast and beach and severely damage the reef ecosystem. In response to this situation, declared the President, the Federal Government assumed a responsible attitude and sought to ensure strict adherence to the law. The civil and environmental organizations, scientists and citizens who expressed their concerns were attended and all the environmental, technical and legal aspects and appeals submitted to SEMARNAT were reviewed.
As a result of this review, the government determined that the Cabo Cortés Project, as presented, failed to demonstrate its sustainability, as a result of which it was decided to cancel the conditional authorization of the project’s environmental impact.
On the subject of the project’s cancellation, the president underlined the fact that this shows the Federal Government’s firm commitment to a policy of high environmental standards for all kinds of projects, including tourist projects, to ensure the conservation of Mexico’s natural wealth.
The president added that the investors and owners of the plots of land would not be neglected. The federal government is determined to respect investors’ rights and assets. It is also willing to accompany interested parties to undertake a new project that will yield benefits for the inhabitants of the zone through tourism. This project will fully guarantee the conservation of the country’s natural heritage.
“It is possible to follow a model of sustainable development that will take advantage of the natural advantages of our territory and attract investment and tourism and create jobs without irreversibly affecting ecosystems and biodiversity, which is the point of green growth.
The president concluded by saying that green growth is a key issue on the Mexican G20 Presidency’s agenda that will be dealt with at the summit to be held in Los Cabos.
Apples for Classrooms (logo designed by Momo Rodriguez)
One Town at a Time, a San Diego-based non-profit organization working with underserved villages south of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico has launched ‘Apples for Classrooms’ a new computer fundraising campaign, as a tribute to the legacy of Steve Jobs.
The program, kicking off now until March 23, 2012 will raise funds to purchase and hand-deliver Apple technology to children’s classrooms in the Cabo Corrientes area of Jalisco including Apple computers, MacBooks, iPads and other Apple products.
Steve Jobs inspired the world through his innovative thinking and technologically advanced creations. At the forefront of technology, his goal was to educate and inspire. And, perhaps most importantly, he challenged the world to ‘think different’.
Our goal is to make a difference in a child’s life through education with the use of computers. Most of the children in these villages have never had contact with a computer, making this endeavor even more rewarding.
“A primary benefit of introducing computers and computer games into the primary school classroom is that students start learning how to use technology at an early age,” said Founder and Creator of One Town at a Time, David Simmonds. “Students who have computers in their classroom learn about various aspects of the technological world allowing them to become comfortable with more advanced computer related concepts as they get older.”
Introducing computers to students has been proven to create an increased interest in learning and education. Many concepts they learn in the classroom are presented in the form of computer games, thereby teaching while students are playing a fun, interactive game. This strategy allows the children to enjoy the learning process while learning important educational concepts that will help them in the future.
“The ability to interact with other kids worldwide in the digital age opens up opportunities and imagination, which creates a learning atmosphere far beyond village life,” said Simmonds. “It creates hope and a chance at a better future – something we all want.”
Please join us in our ‘Apples to Classrooms’ campaign by making a tax-deductible online donation now. Your donation will go straight toward the purchase of a new (or used) Mac computer, iPad or iPod for a classroom in the identified area of Mexico.
Our initial goal is $5,000, and no donation is too small, (but we encourage you to ‘think big’)!
Donate here: http://www.onetownatatime.com/donate.html
Please become part of our community by joining us online at: One Town at a Time on Facebook, Twitter: @onetownatatime or by visiting our official site: http://www.onetownatatime.com.
One Town at a Time is pleased to announce new Board Member, Susie Albin-Najera, travel writer, public relations & marketing consultant and editor of The MEXICO Report.
Created and founded by veteran Mexico traveler, travel writer, author and visionary, David Simmonds, One Town at a Time is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization addressing the living conditions of underserved villages in Mexico by providing families in these areas with the tools for achieving sustainability.
“I am really pleased, excited and honored to have Susie join the Board of Directors. She brings an enthusiasm and energy to the program that will be essential to meeting our goals,” said Simmonds.
Other Board members include long time friend of Simmonds, Chris Hogan, a construction contractor who has helped the organization evaluate the rainwater-harvesting situation and identify needed supplies.
Currently, the organization focuses on the area of Cabo Corrientes on the Pacific coast of Jalisco, about 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. It marks the southernmost point of the Bahia de Banderas and includes towns like Yelapa, El Tuito, Chacala and among many others.
One Town shares and provides technology that enhances the ability of villagers in Mexico to improve and expand their current farming, trade, and communication practices in a way that honors their rich cultural heritage and brings them closer to the global socioeconomic realm.
In addition to projects like ‘Rain Water Collection Systems for Homes’, one of the main areas of focus is the ‘Computers to Classrooms’ project.
“A primary benefit of introducing computers and computer games into the primary school classroom is that students start learning how to use a computer at an early age,” said Simmonds. “Students who have computers in their classroom learn about various aspects of the technological world at an early age, allowing them to become comfortable with more advanced computer related concepts as they get older.”
The proven benefit of introducing computers to students is that students show an increased interest in learning and education. Additionally, the ability to interact with other kids worldwide in the digital age opens up opportunities and imagination, creating a learning atmosphere far beyond village life. It creates hope and a chance at a better life.Simmonds also gives special thanks to Brad Wollman (Palapa in Yelapa /Back Road Cultural Safari/Seldom Seen Tours) who was instrumental in helping him to identify these areas of need.
One Town at a Time will be announcing an exciting new computer campaign soon. But you can make a difference now in a child’s classroom just by sitting at your computer. Please consider making a tax-deductible online donation (no amount is too small) or by joining us online at:
One Town at a Time on Facebook
Twitter: @onetownatatime
Official site of One Town at a Time: http://www.onetownatatime.com.
The warnings are dark and ominous. Mass graves, crossfire shootout victims, kidnappings. Don’t Go To Mexico, the headlines SHOUT. It is a very dangerous place, amigo. Gringos should stay home or go to Vegas if you know what’s good for you. You don’t want to be shot, do you?
I read the daily drumbeat and wonder what the purpose is. I understand that fear sells, but the ethics of good journalism demand that the whole story be told accurately. I have been traveling Mexico since I was a kid, which was a long time ago (or so says my lying birth certificate). And the Mexico I know so well isn’t the same country I read about. Not even close.
Here’s a short story to illustrate my point. I had been to Mexico near the border a number of times, to Ensenada and San Felipe, first with my parents, then with my friends (Hussongs Cantina in Ensenada is still one of the great bars in the world). Then one summer in college I read about this place being discovered way down in Mexico called Puerto Vallarta, and they had just built a paved road to get there from Tepic– prior to that it was dirt and most trekkers arrived by boat or plane. So I called an old high-school buddy who was going to Stanford and we headed south on a road trip in my old VW van from San Diego, armed with a crude map, a case of beer, very little money and four bald tires with no jack. What could possibly go wrong?
Much to our naïve surprise we blew all 4 tires by the time we hit Guaymas, where we camped on the beach right where the movie Catch-22 had just been filmed, before continuing to PV. And each time a tire blew along the way a local Mexican would suddenly appear and help us. They never asked for anything, they just wanted to help the stupid gringos. I specifically remember the flat we had on the beach in Guaymas, where two cars full of Mexican businessmen (or politicians…I think one was actually the mayor) pulled up, along with their female companions, and changed our tire for us as we passed cold beers around (it was about 100 degrees). We then sat and shared stories into the night as they brought out the tequila – the local Mexicans and the blond-haired college kids. I knew at that moment that Mexico would become an integral part of my life – that it would always be a place I could go to be reminded what it is to be real.
The thing is, that same Mexico is still there every time I go. I’ve traveled tens of thousands of miles by car, bus, train and plane and have never been robbed, threatened or harmed in any way. Never. Yes, there are places I avoid these days, but they are few and well-known to anyone who takes the time to investigate. There are also places I avoid in the U.S. and any other country I visit. That’s the reality of living in the 21st century. Opie and Andy were a long time ago, but if you let your guard down you can still find a little Mayberry when you open your heart and mind. Mexico is a good place to start.
The Mexican government has undertaken a pro-active position under the direction of Jaime Diaz and the incomparable U.S. based Ogilvy Public Relations firm. Besides founding this non-profit, I have been involved in writing about Mexico travel for nearly twenty years during which time several marketing firms have had the Mexico contract. None of them “get it” like Ogilvy. These are very bright, educated people who understand the power of social media, which brings me to this news: I have been chosen as one of 24 people in North America to serve as “ambassadors” to the new program put in place by Ogilvy and the Mexican government called Mexico Today. My job, for which I receive compensation, is to write about the real Mexico – the one the mainstream media is failing to cover. I will do that on this site as well as others that I am involved in.
Sustainability is a major pillar and goal of Mexico Today, so One Town At A Time is a perfect fit for what we are striving to accomplish. Over the past several decades I have witnessed a steady growth of a true middle-class in Mexico. With vast natural resources and an incredible work ethic embraced by the people, Mexico is poised to become a major world presence in the years ahead.
I’ve been promoting Mexico, a country I truly love, for many years. So I jumped at the chance to be a Mexico Today associate in the face of all the bad press going down these days. It’s very gratifying to know that everyone isn’t just hand-wringing and doing nothing constructive in the face of a negative situation. The Mexico Today (www.mexicotoday.org) team is fired up and ready to help change the perception of Mexico being a “dangerous” place. We spent this last weekend together in Oaxaca getting to know each other and coordinating strategy. With the caliber of leadership that we have and the passion and expertise of the ambassadors, I feel certain we will help to turn things around.
Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. I was also invited to an all-expenses paid trip to Oaxaca as part of my role and for the launch of the program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared in my blogs are completely my own.