A unique nature insurance policy aims to preserve Mexico's Great Mayan Reef
A unique nature insurance policy aims to preserve Mexico's Great Mayan Reef
Part of the Mesoamerican Reef has just come off the list of endangered UNESCO heritage. In Mexico, mass tourism is to fund a first-of-its-kind insurance plan to restore its reefs after hurricanes. But challenges remain.
"Welcome to my office," shouts guide Herlan to his crew of tourists before diving into the crystal clear waters off Mexico's Caribbean coast.
This 35-mile (60-kilometer) stretch of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is among the attractions drawing millions to the booming Riviera Maya tourism hub in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, generating around $10 billion (€8 billion) annually and contributing nearly 8 percent of Mexico's GDP.
Mass tourism to towns Cancún and Playa del Carmen in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, though making money, has also degraded the region's reef.
The 600-mile Mesoamerican Reef stretches down to Honduras, and is the second-largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef off Australia.
More:
https://www.dw.com/en/a-unique-nature-insurance-policy-aims-to-preserve-mexicos-great-mayan-reef/a-43910752
Environment and energy:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1127118208