CEA held its Annual Assembly with the Board of Directors on January 3, with an overview of the achievements and challenges of 2005 and a review of objectives for 2006. Some of our accomplishments include: training and workshops on turtle conservation; holding a presentation of 10 years of CEA’s efforts in turtle conservation; becoming the second-ever non-profit REEF Field Station and carrying out REEF courses; renovating our science lab; continuing technical support to artificial wetlands management; continuing environmental education in local schools; training local businesses in composting and recycling; presenting our turtle conservation and recycling puppet show to over 500 students; hosting a traveling exposition on waste management; presenting cultural events; increasing funding for specific programs; developing products like the screensaver and coloring books to raise money; and hosting more than 10 courses, meetings and workshops on a variety of environmental issues. All of this occurred while preparing for and cleaning up after Hurricanes Emily and Wilma half way through the year. Of course, our year was changed quite a lot when Emily’s eye passed over Akumal, destroying half our dorm space, and then Wilma thrashed our shores with heavy rains and a significant storm surge. We are still recovering but, with lots of help from so many people, are moving forward quickly.

This New Year we are looking forward to focusing on conservation objectives such as: solidifying a bay management plan for Akumal; involving more of the community in good beach management during the turtle nesting season; getting some concrete results on waste management in the area, including offering on-going recycling services for the community; as well as strengthening our efforts to promote sustainable development in the region. We are also going to begin general renovation of our Information Center. So, we look forward to meeting the challenges we face in protecting Akumal’s natural resources and reporting our advances throughout the year.