Playa del Carmen Properties Coexisting with the Coral Reefs? Chat with Riviera Maya Environmentalist Paul Sanchez

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of Riviera Maya’s leading minds regarding environmental and conservation programs.  Playa del Carmen properties are located along some of the worlds most beautiful beaches and coral reefs.  With some simple planning, the community can coexist and help conserve these natural attractions.  Paul Sanchez, Centro Ecologico Akumal director, has a long history and experience in ecological programs including directional positions as Biodiversity Policy Advisor for WWF Mexico Program and Pronatura.  He has also worked throughout many parts of the world on projects to help manage the Earth’s natural resources and manage national efforts to enhance Mexico’s environmental policies.

“I am new with the terms, the processes, and what programs exist for constructions and development in Playa del Carmen land, in order to have low impacts upon the environment….where does someone start to learn?”  I asked.  “Energy sourcing and water management are two great starting areas for discussion regarding the design and functionality of the Playa del Carmen properties in order for them to be environmentally friendly” was Paul’s response.

Mexico real estate, and all properties throughout the world,  should have the goal to use the maximum amount of energy from self generating methods.  In other words, instead of having only electricity cabled into your property from the grid (traditional city, state, federal sources), the goal would be to have alternative energy producers.  Solar power, wind power, or other self generated energy to operate a property’s consumption needs.  Given the position of Quintana Roo according to the earths latitude being near to the equator, the sun can generate a tremendous amount of energy.  You can position solar panels nearly in any location of your property and in any day of the year these panels can produce high voltage whereas if you are in the northern countries you will need to focus the panels in a southerly direction.  Wind mills on the other hand are practical only in places where wind speeds are above 10 mph or greater.  Good locations should have constant flows without any large peaks or large gusts throughout the year.   Coastal communities are good choices so long as provisions are made allowing for hurricane occurrences.

The other main concern for an ecologically friendly development should be in the management of water.  Here in Quintana Roo, the aquifer (an underground layer of water or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be extracted) is quite shallow ranging between 3 meters to 15 meters.  This water supply can easily be contaminated.  So water treatments should occur above ground and wetland systems are ideal for implementation to clean the grey water outflows.  The difference between grey water and black water is that the grey is made up from processes such as laundry washing, dish washing, and bathing.  Black water is basically sewage.   “We have some great examples of waste water treatment using constructed wetlands back in Akumal“  Paul pointed out   “Why don t you come out and I will give you a personal tour?”

How much would you be willing to invest into a new waste water treatment process to participate in helping the conservation efforts?

Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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