The destination I have choosen to write about is Mexico because Mexico has many natural and breathes taking environments currently at risk. Mexico is a tropical and temperate region that contains many deserts. Its mountainous, and rugged topography makes an environment that creates microclimates because of the environment Mexico has a diverse assortment of animal species, and plants. The impact humans have had in Mexico is huge and it has created a long list of problems for Mexico’s environement.
Some of the issues Mexico is currently experincing that needs to be improved are issues such as deforestation, desertification, erosion, and agricultrual enviornments that are deteriorating. Mexicos environment also has other threats such as scarce natural water (fresh), industrial effluents, and raw sewage polluting the rivers, and subsidence land created by depletion of groudwater. If nothing is done to slove the enviormental issues Mexico has it will create many problems for the country and its citizens.
Many citizens are suffering from health issues because of the enviornment such as respiratory and waterborne diseases. The health issues are directly related to sewage, air pollution, and inadequate water. Another issue that is not solved will create many problems for the Mexico marine life is the effects of the gulf oil spill. After the oil spill chemical dispersants were pumped directly in the gulf to help break up the oil that still remained in the water after the spill was corrected.
No one still can say just bhow much damage to marine organisms has been done from exposure to the dispersants (Handwerk, January 27, 2011). Not only did the dispersants have harmful effects to the marine life the oil spill also created several issues for plants and marine animals the effects of oil are so severe that it is considered a catastrophe for the environment experincing the spill. The biggest threat for Mexico is deforestation the loss of the forest in Mexico is causing many of the animals and plants to become endangered. Mexico is losing an estimated 740,000 acres of forest every year (Beletsky, 2000).
Ecotourism practices will help improve the environment of Mexico a great deal being aware and making others aware of the impacts and long-term effects on the environment will help to reduce any futher damge. A successful ecotourism plan will also maximize satisfaction for vistors, optimize many benefits for locals and minimize the impact on the environment. For a successful ecotourism plan to be implemented properly international, and local stakeholders need to be invovled to aid in developing policies that can manage, and protect the areas.
They also assist in creating brand recognition, and reputation that will establish Mexico as a successful ecotourism location. Local authories are also important stakeholders because they regulate use of the land, and help control infrastructures. There are many accredited ecotourism organizations that can be used to help with improvements. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is an agency that specializes in tourism. It is a forum for global tourism issues, and policies.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is also another accredited ecotourism organization that will aid with improvements. This organization helps raise much needed awareness in the tourism and travel industries. One challenge that the future of Mexico faces is creating a sustainable development environment Mexico is currently in a financial crisis and tourism is one of its main sources of income. Making sure that money is being spent to protect the environment for future generations and not being spent on tourism and advertising will be a major challenge.
Another challenge the Mexico is facing is the effects of the oil spill no one knows for sure just how much damage was done and until all the oil is completely removed the marine life and plants in the gulf will suffer. One opportunity for the future of Mexico is the jungles are reclaiming the land and surrounding ruins leaving many of the ruins yet to be excavated or identified which provides archaeologists the opportunitiy to use the jungle as a training site. Another opportunity that a successful ecotourism plan provides is employment that benefits the local communities.
REFERENCES
Handwerk, B. (January 27, 2011). Gulf Spill Dispersants Surprisingly Long-lasting. Retrieved from http://news. nationalgeographic. com/news/2010/11/110127-gulf-oil-spill-dispersants-environment-science/ Beletsky, L. (2000). Environmental Threats and Conservation in Southern Mexico. Retrieved from http://www. planeta. com/planeta/00/0004mexicotropics. html#author (n. d. ). The
