| CEA 5th Annual Festival, 2010 |
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| Weather Station in Akumal |
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After one-and-a-half-years of raising money for the weather station, on February 20 we had a total of 2,300 USD and CEA added 471 USD, so finally we are going to be able to buy the next equipment: |
| Elements |
Unit Prices USD |
| Data logger w/out remote communication |
595.00 |
| Temperature and relative humidity sensor |
200.00 |
| Temp/RH solar radiation shield |
75.00 |
| Rain gauge sensor |
450.00 |
| Wind speed direction sensor |
580.00 |
| Half cross arm |
54.00 |
| Battery charger |
42.00 |
| Barometric pressure sensor |
249.00 |
| Software HOBOware Pro |
100.00 |
| Taxes and mailing |
426.48 |
| Total |
$2,771.48 |
Thanks to every donor who made this possible. In late March we’ll have the climate station installed at our facilities.
This station will help us with different research in this zone, especially in understanding the relation between weather and changes in our environment.
However, even though this equipment is going to give us important data, it requires more measurement elements. We need 500 USD to finish, and we are asking for your financial support to be able to buy the elements. You can donate using our Web page for Special Donations, adding the message "for weather station," and also please send me an e-mail at agua@ceakumal.org to tell me about your donation.
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Over the past three years, recycling in Akumal has increased from a total of 13 tons in 2007 to 30 tons in 2009. This increase mostly is due to more and more participation from Akumalians. This year, CEA has brought in someone to work specifically on waste management issues---Mauricio Bautista is back! He will be running our recycling program for all of Akumal, from Yal Ku to Aventuras Akumal and the Pueblo.
We are trying to create a system that will work over the next few years, at least until the municipal government establishes a long-term recycling system. |
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Right now, all the waste separated for recycling does not go to a landfill; it gets separated and sent to different companies doing the recycling. Part of Mauricio's job will be to report to everyone where the plastic, paper, glass and aluminum end up.
To begin this program in Akumal, we will pick up recyclables in North Akumal, Jade Bay, South Akumal and Aventuras Akumal. We must decide on a pickup site in Aventuras and South Akumal. For North Akumal we will be going from house to house (or condo to condo). A schedule will be delivered to each property, along with information about the program, and contact information. CEA will provide training for condo and hotel staff so they learn how to manage the recyclables until pick up. CEA must charge for this service in order to maintain it.
There will be a monthly fee for the pick up of all recyclable materials. The cost is 12 USD for homes (one house or villa, plus a casita) and 5 USD per unit for condos (any building with more than 3 condos).
CEA will also be working with the municipal government to install separation bins in 12 locations throughout Akumal. If you’d like to co-sponsor a bin or two, please contact us at
recicla@ceakumal.org or director@ceakumal.org. Your company logo can go on the front and back side of the bins and sign.
We are certain that this system, based on Kate Robinhawk’s design from a few years ago, with your participation will be a success. |
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| Join Us and Enjoy Helping -- Become a CEA Volunteer! |
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CEA is an organization that depends heavily on volunteers. If you have the willingness to have fun while you help to preserve the environment, come and be part of CEA! You can participate in different programs.
Our next Reef Monitoring phase begins this March 28, while our Sea Turtle Program will start May 10. Other programs are already running, but you may still apply. Don’t forget to send your application forms now!
For further information visit our Web site or send an e-mail to info@ceakumal.org.
Volunteer experience - Read here. |
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| Lionfish: the Threat Increases |
Last year, between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal, 99 Lionfish (Pterois volitans) were caught. To date, in 2010, we have received 57 fish in different sizes, delivered to CEA from local dive operators. The Lionfish’s rapid population growth and reach is notorious. We need everyone’s help to control it. For more information about the danger that this species represents for our reefs and even for divers’ safety, please write to our staff at marina@ceakumal.org or arrecife@ceakumal.org.
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