Every year over two million Americans and Canadians visit the resorts of Cancun and Cozumel on the Yucatan Peninsula's Caribbean coast. Not far from either destination is a tropical forest reserve where native people live in harmony with their environment. The place is Punta Laguna, Spanish for "Lagoon Point," and this is the closest tropical rain forest habitat for anyone living in the continental United States and Canada. A place of compelling beauty, Punta Laguna guards ancient Maya ruins and a contemporary village of Maya people whose presence in the forest is sustainable and in harmony with their environment. It is also a home for the boisterous Spider Monkey.
For more than ten years, community members of Punta Laguna have been guarding the archaeological ruins and protecting the forest and wildlife around them. It has not been an easy task for the Maya. In recent years crops have been depleted by droughts and hurricanes, which are part of recent global weather patterns. The Maya have been forced to consider other ways to support itself; the other alternative -- to migrate to the cities -- would disrupt their traditional lives and it is something they do not want to do.
Punta Laguna has also confronted familiar challenges: Tropical woods from the forest is in demand. Unscrupulous outsiders offer money for baby Spider Monkeys and other animals. People capture toucans and steal rare orchids and other tropical flowers. Cattle ranchers encroach on the forest, often promising cash to the Maya residents, who are poor.
So far, these temptations have been resisted by the Maya, but it has meant much hardship and sacrifice. The Maya are a proud people, aware of the beauty of their environment and respectful of their heritage. With the help of conservationists, however, in spite of all these pressures and economic incentives to do otherwise, we have worked to save and protect Punta Laguna.
Only the tenacious belief that the forest is life itself has compelled the Maya to preserve the outstanding beauty and ecological diversity of Punta Laguna. It is for this reason that we can still seek the Spider Monkeys roam free throughout the forest canopy. The Spider Monkey is trusting of people and their presence reminds us of duty to protect the forests from those who would harm it.
We have worked to clear paths so interested visitors can come and see the wildlife and the ruins of the ancient Maya civilization.
Spider Monkeys
One of the main attractions here is the troop of Spider Monkeys that share our forest. Nowhere else on the Yucatan Peninsula will you have a better opportunity to observe this now-rare and endangered animal. It is mainly threatened by habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. Because of the consistent protection of the Maya community that live in Punta Laguna, the Spider Monkeys are not really afraid of people. They can often be seen feeding nonchalantly in trees right above our houses! They are, however, naturally wary of people and it is best to be quiet if you want to see them close.
Where Punta Laguna is located
We are located on the road between Nuevo Xcan and Coba. It is a tropical forest with a large lagoon and several cenotes -- large, fresh-water sink holes. Our community shares its land with Spider Monkeys and over 100 species of birds, turtles and other wild animals.
The people who live here
Our small community has 50 people of Maya ancestry. Although it was founded only fifty years ago, the ruins in the forest tell us that Maya have lived here for at least one thousand years! Like our ancestors, our lives revolve around the cultivation of maize, or corn. We use our forest in special ways to provide fruit, honey, medicinal plants, chicle (chewing gum) and materials to build our homes.
The conservation project
Pronatura, a conservation organization, learned about our efforts in Punta Laguna and decided to support us in the protection of our natural resources. Pronatura has collaborated with us to develop visitor facilities, and they provide us with financial support and technical assistance as is needed. Mesoamerica Foundation is now helping us as well. We are excited about our new activities. We are keeping our goals small in order to protect our forest and make sure that it is developed and managed by us, the local people. In the next few years we hope to bring electricity, water and a school to our community.
What to do when you visit us
- Take a hike. Follow the trails through the forests. Be sure to take plenty of water. It is warmer than you think and you can dehydrate without noticing.
- Spy on the Spider Monkeys. They are usually in the trees overhead, and will come close to a visitor who has a piece of fruit. Be careful! Spider Monkeys have bad manners and don't know their own strength! It is better to toss a piece of fruit to them, but never try to hand them something.
- Visit the Maya farmers. Most of the people of Punta Laguna are farmers using traditional Maya farming methods. Often the fields look unkempt, but that's because the Maya allow several crops to grow in one area, so while the corn stalks looks as if they are overrun by weeds, they might very well be pumpkins or squash!
- Go swimming. Punta Laguna offers a few great swimming holes. When it get hot -- and it does get hot -- nothing feels as good as a swim.
- See the Maya ruins. Where else can you explore the ruins of an ancient civilization in the middle of a tropical forest?
- Bird watch. There are toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and hundreds of migratory birds. More different species of birds visit the Yucatan Peninsula than the whole United States!
- Rest under a giant tree. The forest is filled with giant trees of incredible size. They offer a cool place to stop and have a lunch, or rest for a while.
- Be Mindful. Spider Monkeys are beautiful and funny, but they are also carriers of diseases, such as rabies. This is why no one should ever approach a Spider Monkey and try to touch him. This is especially true of female monkeys with young offspring. They will try to protect themselves and their youngsters, and may bite your hand.
We have looked after this area for generations. Certain sites are sacred to us and form part of our community's religious practices. You can help keep things as they are by listening to your guide, obeying the posted signs and leave things as you found them.
What you can take: Pictures and memories of this experience!
Helpful hints
- Wear good walking shoes. The trails may be uneven.
- Wear insect repellent. Ticks and fleas live in the tropical forest too!
- Watch your step. A trail of scurrying ants could go up your pant leg!
- Be quiet. If you make noise, the birds and Spider Monkeys will stop and listen to you!
- Don't take anything. Punta Laguna is a place to visit, but please don't take rocks, plants, flowers or animals. And please don't leave any refuse.
- And finally, stay with your guide. The trails are not marked and if you get lost, it won't be much fun for anyone!
|
