The Sustainable Yucatán Plan 2030

Ana Quinzaños
Published: 28 September 2023
Last edited: 28 September 2023
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Summary

The Yucatán Peninsula, an ecological and cultural epicenter in Mexico, has faced challenges from economic growth, tourism impacts, and agricultural pressures. Recognizing the need for a harmonious balance between progress and conservation, the proposed "Yucatán Sustainable Plan 2030" emerges. This initiative aims to integrate economic development with environmental conservation in a holistic manner. The plan prioritizes areas like responsible water resource management, conscious tourism practices, and sustainable agriculture by marrying traditional knowledge with modern innovations. Emphasizing biodiversity, the strategy also envisions an integrated approach to ecological conservation and cultural appreciation. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of education and research as pivotal tools. The success of this endeavor depends on collaborative efforts from government, communities, the private sector, and academia. The goal: a prosperous Yucatán that honors and safeguards its heritage for future generations.

Classifications

Region
North America
Scale of implementation
Local
National
Subnational
Ecosystem
Agro-ecosystem
Agroforestry
Beach
Coastal forest
Coral reef
Cropland
Forest ecosystems
Freshwater ecosystems
Mangrove
Marine and coastal ecosystems
Open sea
Rocky reef / Rocky shore
Tropical deciduous forest
Tropical evergreen forest
Wetland (swamp, marsh, peatland)
Theme
Adaptation
Coastal and marine spatial management
Connectivity / transboundary conservation
Disaster risk reduction
Ecosystem services
Erosion prevention
Genetic diversity
Geodiversity and Geoconservation
Habitat fragmentation and degradation
Health and human wellbeing
Indigenous people
Local actors
Marine litter
Mitigation
Outreach & communications
Pollution
Protected and conserved areas governance
Renewable energies
Restoration
Terrestrial spatial planning
Tourism
Waste management
Wastewater treatment
World Heritage
Species Conservation and One Health Interventions
Genetic Conservation
Species Monitoring and Research
Species Conservation Translocations
Species Conservation Planning
One Health
Animal health
Biodiversity-health nexus
Health effects of climate change and pollution
Health related aspects of socio-economic factors such as poverty, education, social security structures, digitalisation, financing systems, human capacity development 
Neglected tropical diseases, emerging infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance
Water, sanitation and hygiene
Urban and Disaster Risk Management
Territorial and spatial development
Challenges
Erratic rainfall
Extreme heat
Floods
Increasing temperatures
Loss of Biodiversity
Ocean warming and acidification
Sea level rise
Tropical cyclones / Typhoons
Conflicting uses / cumulative impacts
Erosion
Ecosystem loss
Pollution (incl. eutrophication and litter)
Lack of access to long-term funding
Lack of alternative income opportunities
Changes in socio-cultural context
Lack of infrastructure
Poor monitoring and enforcement
Poor governance and participation
Unemployment / poverty
Sustainable development goals
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
SDG 13 – Climate action
SDG 14 – Life below water
SDG 15 – Life on land
Aichi targets
Target 1: Awareness of biodiversity increased
Target 2: Biodiversity values integrated
Target 4: Sustainable production and consumption
Target 5: Habitat loss halved or reduced
Target 6: Sustainable management of aquatic living resources
Target 7: Sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and forestry
Target 8: Pollution reduced
Target 10: Ecosystems vulnerable to climate change
Target 11: Protected and conserved areas
Target 12: Reducing risk of extinction
Target 13: Safeguarding genetic diversity
Target 14: Ecosystem services
Target 15: Ecosystem restoration and resilience
Target 17: Biodiversity strategies and action plans
Business engagement approach
Indirect through consumers
Indirect through financial institutions
Indirect through government

Location

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Impacts

Environmentally, the "Yucatán Sustainable Plan 2030" envisions a marked reduction in ecosystem degradation through 13 points. The proposed strategies could potentially restore vital water sources, such as the region's cenotes and aquifers while promoting sustainable land use. As a result, habitats of endemic species like the Yucatán spider monkey and ocellated turkey might witness improved health, preserving the area's rich biodiversity.
Socially, the plan intends to strengthen the cultural ties of local communities by valuing and incorporating their ancestral knowledge. By integrating communities into the planning and execution processes, there's an anticipated rise in local engagement and pride. This, in turn, ensures traditions are preserved while advancing in a rapidly globalizing world.
Economically, there's potential for sustainable growth. By redirecting tourism towards a more conscious model, local businesses could see increased revenues without jeopardizing the environment. Additionally, by promoting resilient agricultural practices, farmers might achieve higher yields, reinforcing the region's status as a major honey producer, and bolstering its diverse agricultural output.

Contributed by

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Ana Quinzaños Tecnológico de Monterrey