The GSTC has signed a historic agreement with Dr. Guillermo Haro Belchez, of PROFEPA, the National Attorney for Environmental Protection, marking a decisive path towards sustainability and practical competitiveness in Mexico.
“The road to sustainability is not a destination, it is certainly a path… that one day we started and we always have to improve and enrich with new practices that maximize the benefits of tourism in the resident community, environment, economy and local culture» said Beatriz Barreal, GSTC Mexico Representative and Board of Directors member, Founder of the NGO Sustainable Riviera Maya.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, the official pointed out that PROFEPA will undertake work that combines the basics of Recognition of Environmental Excellence and the four pillars of sustainable tourism as defined by the GSTC Criteria: managing for sustainability, maximize social and economic benefits for the local community and minimize negative impacts, and the same for cultural heritage and the environment.
He added that one of the objectives outlined in the agreement is the creation of a promotion strategy, to increase participation of public and private tourism sectors, and improve their environmental performance through its inclusion in the NEPA (National Environmental Program Audit).
Beatriz Barreal points out that the work of mainstreaming and combined efforts of the two organizations, PROFEPA and GSTC, to make tourism an engine of sustainable development, clearly shows the forward-thinking view of Mexico.