October 2020

The National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) through the management of the Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve and in coordination with Ecoturismo Genuino, Manta Caribbean Project and Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatán, executed the training for tourism operators in Holbox under strict protocols and health filters.

Providing training to communities is a powerful tool for the conservation of the natural resources that the local community depend on in this region. This is reflected in the long-term use and protection of flora and fauna within the Natural Protected Areas. In addition, training allows the reinforcement of good practices and codes of conduct that are fundamental for sustainable tourism.

This training was given to local native tour operators who provide the tourism activity of the swimming with the whale sharks.

The theoretical and practical sessions included topics related to environmental interpretation, boat training, responsible tourism, legal framework, the importance of protected natural areas, good practices, codes of conduct, biology and ecology of whale sharks and mobulid species of the Mexican Caribbean and the world.

The Manta Caribbean Project, in collaboration with the Manta Trust, created a field guide for the local authorized tour guides and captains of the region. The guides were made so they can be taken on their boats and used by the operators and the tourist to gain a better understanding about mobulids rays present in our region. We aim to be able to provide these support materials to all authorized guides in Isla Mujeres, Holbox and Chiquila in 2021!

Despite the global pandemic we must continue to promote sustainable tourism in the region.

We hope to return to our activities next year in 2021 to keep working in collaboration with local authorities, communities and allies in the conservation of the megafauna of the Mexican Caribbean and little by little keep raising awareness with the Guardians of the Mantas!