Riviera Nayarit, Mexico joins EarthCheck sustainability programme

One of the most visited coastal destinations in Mexico, Riviera Nayarit, will this year work with EarthCheck to embrace sustainable development.

EarthCheck is the world’s leading sustainability programme for the travel and tourism industry and works with destinations around the world.

Riviera Nayarit will benchmark its environmental and social performance against the scientific EarthCheck Community Standard.

Performance indicators include biodiversity conservation, contributions towards social and community actions or support of local suppliers.

Director of the Riviera Nayarit Visitor and Conventions Office, Marc Murphy, said that the community would be taking on a holistic approach to sustainability and destination management to conserve their delicate ecosystem and support tourism development.

Murphy said: “Riviera Nayarit’s breathtaking environment is a major drawcard. It attracts travellers who are looking for unique environmental experiences. We want to create a greater awareness of the natural experiences available in Riviera Nayarit, like our sea turtle program, where visitors can partake in the turtle releasing or see the nests in the camp in the company of a qualified biologist learning how to respect and protect this and other animal species. In doing so, we also want to ensure that our tourism activities don’t harm the local environment or community, which is why we signed up with EarthCheck.”

Mr. Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck, said that he is delighted that Riviera Nayarit joined the EarthCheck programme.

Moore said: “By committing to sustainability, Riviera Nayarit not only joins a group of communities who are leading the way in environmental management but they will be able to better manage the resources available to their community and visitors.”