In the last decade the face of the Mayan Riviera has changed drastically in the name of progress.  We have destroyed hundreds of miles of mangroves, sand dunes, and coastal areas to build hotels for our guests.  On top of that we have contaminated the fresh water systems of the Yucatan with all the polutants that our visitors bring for their protection and beauty.  NOBODY has taken responsability for that.  There are too many millions of dollars at stake.  Everybody is afraid to say something. In reality our guests are willing to learn and to do their share for the enviroment. They are anxious to know how they can contribute to the protection of those areas and the culture around them. That has been my experience as a guide for over 20 years. Those who don't care are the ones with the Swiss bank accounts not living in the area.

Mayan civilization lived in harmony with nature. They knew where to build because they were always aware of the forces of nature and respected the path mother earth  showed them. That is why they never built anything in Cancun for example and they did build a city in front of the ocean. The majestic city of Zamna or Tulum as it is known today, is still standing after 600 years. That is not the case with modern construction in the coastal zone of the Mexican caribbean.   Everytime this area gets hit with a hurricane, they have to rebuild again.   Not to mention all the erosion that the construction brings.  This is a product of the devastation of the natural barriers of the coastal lines, the mangroves, sand dunes and flora around it.