Akumal Council: Challenges

	Cosejo de Desarrollo de Akumal A.C. The Akumal Council Dedicated to a sustainable future for Akumal

Akumal's main challenges for the future

Influencing the Master Development Plan (POET) for the Riviera Maya toward eco-sustainability
Unifying the voice for the Akumal communities of North & Central Akumal, Jade Bay, South Akumal and Aventuras Akumal.
Constructive cooperation with the bordering Sirenis Mayan Resort and Bahia Principe Resort

Business plan and overview

The main challenge

The Federal government of Mexico has created a Master Development Plan (POET) for the area known as the Riviera Maya along the coast of Quintana Roo, from Cancun down to Tulum. The Plan has been passed to the state of Quintana Roo and the Municipalities of Cancun to the north, and Playa Del Carmen. Akumal is most concerned about the area under the jurisdiction of Solidaridad, our municipality.
- The Master Plan calls for the future development of the Maya Riviera to add 20,000 hotel rooms in the next 25 years, and to provide housing and support for the resulting personnel, they have designated high density growth areas in Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. The city of Akumal is defined to have 120,000 (have heard 200,000) inhabitants by 2028, in a defined area across Highway MEX 307, to the north west of the current pueblo. There is a fear, and some support, that this will lead to the development of the current mangrove green space between the development roads and the highway.
- The Master Plan is the official development plan for the growth of Akumal Pueblo and our principal concerns. Akumal is going to develop whether we like it or not, and the fact that the government does have a Master Plan is a good thing. There has to be a development plan in place, otherwise we have a situation like Playa del Carmen, the fastest growing city in Latin America, a city with rapid grown and no infrastructure to speak of. So, the existence of the POET is not a bad thing, because it requires that the municipality provides the necessary infrastructure. A problem is that the POET is a state mandate, but it requires that our municipality provides the infrastructure, and they don't have the money, at this time, to do it. What's necessary is that we continue to have input on how the POET develops. It is not a static plan, but a work in progress, so our involvement needs to be an ongoing thing.
A Secondary Problem- While the Municipality sees Akumal (from Yal-Ku to Bahia Principe) as one single destination, the individual bays/developments have always functioned as a series of individual entities, each with their own interests. There's North Akumal, Central Akumal, Jade Beach, South Akumal, and Aventuras Akumal, and normally there is little to no interaction on how they function as a part of the whole. Individually, each entity has a small voice on issues concerning Akumal.
A Third Problem- Akumal continues to grow in popularity as an international tourist destination, and this brings along detrimental side-effects that need to be addressed; i.e.
- Increased crime (robberies)
- Increased traffic on a very dangerous highway
- Increased garbage (where is it going)
- Increased human waste (where is IT going)
- Increased pressure on the ecosystem
- Increased support staff that needs education and health services
- Lack of "good" potable water and water/waste drainage

The most important goals of the Akumal Council are:

Unite the various entities of Akumal into one single voice that will be heard by the various government (Federal, State, and Municipal) branches to ensure a coordinated effort in the future planning and development of Akumal.
Work with the government to ensure their Master Plan reflects a lower density and optimized design before their public presentation.
Develop, implement, and maintain a series of Programs and Projects that will enhance the livability of Akumal for all residents and international visitors who come here looking for the tranquility and unique experience that is Akumal, while preserving the natural resources.

Keys to Success

Clearly and concisely articulating the overall objectives and reasoning for having an Akumal Council/Association called the Consejo de Desarrollo de Akumal A.C.
Obtaining the support and participation of a large percentage (>70%) of the property owners, residents, businesses, visitors, and friends from every element of Akumal.
Developing a good, strong working relationship with the various departments and agencies within the Federal, State, and Municipal governments.
Leveraging the expertise and resources of the association and the government to achieve the most Bang-for-the-Buck (peso).
Promoting and highlighting each and every success and achievement, regardless of the size, to ensure the community and the government know the association is serious and making a difference.

Mission
Consejo de Desarrollo de Akumal A.C. is a non-profit association funded and supported by residents, business owners, and friends of Akumal in an effort to preserve and enhance the quality of life across all seven bays/sections of the area along the Maya Riviera known as "Akumal." Akumal in Maya means the "place of the turtles", and while the number of nesting turtles has declined over the years, Consejo de Desarrollo de Akumal A.C. is working with the Federal and Municipal governments to ensure that Akumal grows to a size appropriate to the area in a defined manner with an optimized design and the supporting infrastructure and services for the population as a whole. The association wants to redefine another meaning for Akumal, and that is "Jewel of the Riviera Maya".

Objectives

Sign up more than 100 members by June 30, 2005.
Enlist Pledges in excess of $1,000,000 pesos by June 30, 2005.
Fix up and beautify the Aventuras Akumal entrance by July 30, 2005.
Install the Municipality's Akumal police in the new office by August 31, 2005.
Convince the Municipality to reduce the Planned size of Akumal City to 25,000 by Dec. 31, 2005