Integrating Interpretation with Place Interpretive planning guidelines for
ecotourism facilities along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

by W. Cole Thompson

Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee:
Assistant Professor Jeff Hou, Department of Landscape Architecture


2004

This project examines the potentials for interpretation that exist within newly developed ecotour facilities along the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Project emphasis is placed on the coastal corridors of the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve and the Costa Maya, a stretch of pristine coastline extending from the reserve south towards Xcalak and the Belizean border. This coastal region is characterized by a superb richness of natural and cultural history, and has recently become a major draw for adventure and nature based tourists. This area is unique in that much of the corridor lies within federally protected zones of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established by Mexican authorities, the Sian Ka’an is composed of specific management zones that encourage sustainable development practices and limit building densities and urban sprawl. Within this regulatory context, numerous ecotour facilities have emerged in response to a rapidly growing ecotourism market. These facilities are rapidly being constructed along the coastal corridors, manifesting as small, autonomous projects that incorporate low impact development strategies and green technologies. An opportunity exists within these facilities to provide visitors with meaningful interpretive experiences while further defining a sense of place.

This report proposes a set of guidelines that outline how to incorporate natural and cultural resources into a unique and meaningful interpretive experience. The guidelines are directed towards site owners and operators, and others who may be involved in interpretive planning. Guideline objectives are to enhance the visitor experience through interpretation, while further defining a meaning and sense of place. Precedent studies were undertaken to understand and experience current interpretive efforts in Quintana Roo. An evaluation of existing interpretation efforts in federal and privately operated settings was conducted. This evaluation focused on key interpretive features including entry sequences, interpretive trail systems, visitor centers and interpretive media, and the use of sustainable materials. Photo documentation was used to document such examples, and provide reference for guidelines. The guidelines are intended to be specific enough for use within ecotour facilities along the Sian Ka’an and Costa Maya coastal corridors, yet broad enough to hold relevance for other facility types and program areas. This project has been conducted in support of the research and conservation efforts by two important organizations operating in this region, the federal Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), and the Amigos de Sian Ka’an, an NGO involved in conservation, research, and education projects throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, MX.