Even Disney's animated feature film, "The Lion King," has a role to play in the protection of Mexico's tropical forests. Providing appropriate video entertainment is part of an education strategy developed by environmental educator Gloria Tavera to promote conservation and sustainable forestry practices in the Calakmul area of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
According to Tavera, "The Lion King" demonstrates the importance of the food chain and reinforces the idea of individuals working together to promote the needs of a community. In Calakmul communities, particularly those that lack electricity, screening films such as "The Lion King" is a way of encouraging public gatherings where environmental issues can be discussed.
The video screenings are part of the Calakmul Model Forest Program, an initiative that promotes the partnership of environmentalists, industry, and local communities to find ways to manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Tavera's job is to demonstrate how sustainable forestry practices can benefit local communities. The Calakmul Model Forest is part of an international network of 18 model forests — that are operating or in development — located in five countries, which is coordinated by a secretariat at IDRC headquarters in Ottawa.
The aims of the Calakmul Model Forest Program are to ensure ongoing harvests of food, wood, and other useful products; to enhance the standard of living of the local inhabitants; to raise awareness of conservation; and to promote ecotourism. In support of these goals, Tavera gathered information and conducted demographic surveys to identify the best approaches for her educational activities. Because more than 50% of the local population is under the age of 15, ethnic diversity is high, and literacy rates are low, she realized that written material would not be particularly effective. Preliminary studies also indicated the need to target women and children.
So far, the Model Forest Program has established a wildlife station housing puma, jaguar, and wild pigs. Another initiative is the Calakmul Botanical Gardens featuring nature trails and facilities that showcase an impressive array of local flora, including edible plants and 56 species of orchids native to the region. The six-hectare parcel of land is owned by the region and provides a base for workshops, information sessions, and educational tours to the local Mayan ruins.
Other programs have brought local women together to exchange ideas and share information on the profitable use of forest products. In 1995, a regional food fair provided opportunities for participants to sample and compare food, arts, and crafts — and also to watch a fashion show highlighting a variety of local products. The displays demonstrated how to contribute to the local economy by adding value to forest products.
As a result of the fair, beautifully embroidered clothes incorporating traditional designs are now being sold as souvenirs to tourists visiting the Calakmul ruins. In addition, a cookbook has been published that features 127 recipes — including many exotic dishes made with Calakmul forest products. The 1996 fair, to be held this summer, will likely add more tasty recipes to the savory collection.
As part of the educational strategy, Tavera is indirectly targeting the 2,500 primary school children in the area through environmental workshops for their teachers. The workshops cover everything from ecotourism and insect collecting to the basics of bird watching and are intended to cultivate an appreciation for the environment among children and adults alike.
Michael Boulet is a research analyst at IDRC.
For more information:
Bosque Modelo de Calakmul, Consejo Regional de X'Pujil, Domicilio Conocido, Zoh Laguna, Campeche, Mexico; Tel/Fax: (52-983) 23304
Marc Patry, Twinning Co-ordinator, Calakmul Productive Ecology Model Forest, P.O. Bag 2111, Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0, Canada; Tel: (613) 258-8239; Fax: (613) 258-3920; e-mail: mpatry@emr.ca