International Year of the Reef 2008


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  • Amigos de Sian Ka’an celebrates IYOR 2008
  • See also the activities from the Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA)

    • Iliana Ortega Bacmeister -
    Biologist
    National Comission for Protected Areas
    ICRI Mèxico
    Av. Bonampak
    SM 9, M 2 , Lote 10
    Cancùn, Q.Roo
    CP 77503
    Phone: (52) (998) 18 50 692

    Recent Activities

    IYOR celebration in Mexico by Iliana Ortega

    On Friday, April 18th, 2008, in the island of Cozumel, México, Mexico celebrated IYOR with a full day of activities. In the morning a symposium about coral reef management and conservation was held, and lectures from well known coral reefs researchers such as Dr. Roberto Iglesias from the National University of México (UNAM) were given. Other speakers were directors of MPAs in México, who talked about how they manage with sustainable and not sustainable fisheries, pollution, environmental education for local communities, coral reef monitoring, etc. A representative of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System gave a lecture about the conservation achievements in the area. The symposium was held at the national university of the State of Quintana Roo, (UQROO), with a good audience that included college students, representatives of local, regional and national NGO´s, and representatives of the Mexican Navy among others.

    A small exhibit with posters about research, conservation programs for coral reefs and IYOR posters was also held. In the afternoon, an official IYOR celebration was held at the Chankanaab Park, with participation of representatives from the Mexican Environmental Ministry (SEMARNAT/CONANP), state government, Mexican Navy, NGOs, researchers, National university of México (UNAM), directors of MPAs, students and general public. IYOR planned activities in Mexico were presented.

    The IV Mexican Congress of Coral Reefs was held in La Paz, Baja California Sur from October 24 to 26, 2007. The congress was organized by the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur in collaboration with the Northwest Biological Research Center, the National Polytechnic Institute, the Mexican Society of Coral Reefs and the National Commission of Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity. It was attended by 120 persons. During the congress, an IYOR presentation was made by Iliana Ortega Bacmeister.

    Actions planned:

    • Participation of different state Carnivals (La Paz, Cancun, Veracruz, Mazatlan) to support IYOR, where they adopt the coral reefs as a central theme.
    • Photo Exhibitions
    • Music Concerts
    • Phone cards with IYOR 2008
    • Conferences
    • Talks to school children
    • Publicity with TV, Radio and different media.
    • Join efforts; taking advantage of existing events where they can present and support IYOR.