| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism ACTIVITIES - 2009 |
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| Workshop "Solid Waste Management" February 6, 2009 |
| DEMATAC participated in a group discussion workshop related to the "Programa de Trabajo y Talleres de Carácter Participativo en Torno al Proyecto MIE Identificación, Registro, Promoción y Difusión del Patrimonio Histórico y Cultural de la Eco-región Los Tuxtlas y su Relación con el Manejo Integrado de Ecosistemas", presented by Christian Jesús Zubillaga Sánchez, with the assistance of Beatriz Wiechers de la Lama and S. Irais Gómez Hernández. The workshop was presented in the IVEA Salon in the Municipal Palace in Ángel R. Cabada. Representatives of the municipalities of San Andrés Tuxtla and Ángel R. Cabada, as well as the Municipal agent of Punta Puntilla, the Director de Limpia Publica Tecolapan, Director de Medio Ambiente Tula and the Sub-Agente Municipal de Santa Ana attended. DEMATAC presented a workshop in "Effective Solid Waste Management". |
| Awareness Workshop "Characteristics of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas" January 23, 2009 |
| Eduardo Alvarez Ríos, DEMATAC Board Member, presented a workshop in the Primary School Experimental Frainet in San Andrés Tuxtla to students of 4th, 5th 6th grade levels. The objective of the workshop was to promote awareness of the importance of protected natural areas such as the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. Within the framework of the programs of awareness and education of CEATUX (Comunidad de Educadores Ambientales de Los Tuxtlas) regarding the environmental problems in the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, and personal initiative, Eduardo, vocal of DEMATAC implemented a workshop on the characteristics of the Reserva with material prepared by: Francisco J. Gómez, Estacion de Biologia Tropical Los Tuxtlas, Instituto de Biologia, UNAM. The workshop consisted of a Power-Point presentation directed to the children and staff of the school, and it's success was illustrated by the active participation of the children during the 2 hour presentation. |
| Your tax deductible donation will help protect the endangered northernmost tropical rain forest in the Americas, and contribute to environmental awareness worldwide. |
| Regional Workshop-Forum: Fideicomiso Público para la Conservación, Restauración y Manejo del Agua, los Bosques y las Cuencas del Estado de Veracruz (Public Trust for the Conservation, Restoration, and Management of Water, Forests, and River Basins of Veracruz) 30 de enero, 2009 |
DEMATAC participated in this workshop-forum held in
the Sala de Cabildos of the municipal palace in San
Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz; along with civil
associations and rural residents from Los Tuxtlas, plus
representatives of various government institutions.
The Fideicomiso ABC (ABC Trust) is an initiative of
the agriculture and livestock, rural, and fishing sectors
of the Government of the State of Veracruz. It involves a
public fund at three government levels, and is designed
to promote projects and activities related to the
conservation of natural resources.
the Sala de Cabildos of the municipal palace in San
Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz; along with civil
associations and rural residents from Los Tuxtlas, plus
representatives of various government institutions.
The Fideicomiso ABC (ABC Trust) is an initiative of
the agriculture and livestock, rural, and fishing sectors
of the Government of the State of Veracruz. It involves a
public fund at three government levels, and is designed
to promote projects and activities related to the
conservation of natural resources.
DEMATAC held a reunion with CEATUX (Community of Environmental Educators of Los Tuxtlas) to request their support in
the organization of the Ecological Festival planned for March 27, 28 & 29 in Catemaco, Veracruz.
CEATUX members expressed interest in participating and pledged their support.
the organization of the Ecological Festival planned for March 27, 28 & 29 in Catemaco, Veracruz.
CEATUX members expressed interest in participating and pledged their support.
| Reunion CEATUX - DEMATAC February 15, 2009 |
| Talk on the "Characteristics of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas" March 6, 2009 |
| DEMATAC gave a talk for the sixth grade students of the primary schools Primaria Experimental Frainet, and Primaris Manuel Bartolomé Cossio of México, D. F. that participated in a student exchange program, in San Andrés Tuxtla. The objective was to create student awareness of the importance of natural protected areas such as the La Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. The talk included a Power Point presentation designed for the students and teaching staff. Its effectiveness can be measure by the high degree of interest and participation of the students during the two hour presentation. The speaker was LEC. Eduardo Alvárez Ríos, and was assisted by Lic. Jessica Swanson |
| Workshop "Solid Waste Management" in Autocamiones de San Andrés, S. A. de C. V. (NISSAN) March 20 & 27, 2009 |
| This workshop is designed to develop awareness of the problems created by waste material, local and worldwide. The objective is to instill a desire in the participants to reduce the amount of waste they generate daily, and to recycle that which is produced. The workshop was divided into two parts, with different employees participating. The presentation was given by Lic. Jessica Swanson, President de DEMATAC and board member LEC. Eduardo Álvarez Ríos, to 17 employees of NISSAN in San Andrés Tuxtla, at the request of Dr. Silvia Victoria Mier, General Manager. |
| Primer Taller |
| Segunda Taller |
| Workshop: "Characteristics of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas" April 2, 2009 |
| Raffle of a Netbook Acer April 3, 2009 |
| DEMATAC sponsored a raffle of an Acer Netbook over the past month. The raffle drawing was held on April 3rd in the Casa de los Caballos in Catemaco, in the presence of DEMATAC members and various ticket holders. The first number drawn belonged to a member of the DEMATAC Board of Directors. We decided it would not be appropriate for a board member to win, and proceeded to draw another number. The winning ticket was held by Darío Josafat Serrano Pozos, owner of La Ceiba Restaurant in Catemaco, Veracruz. |
| CONGRATULATIONS DARIO!!! |
| The objective of the workshop was to increase awareness of protected natural areas such as La Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, located in the region where the participants live. The presentation was held in the Esc. Secundaria y Bachillerato Isaac Ochoterena school in San Andrés Tuxtla. The 35 participants are students of Ecologic Economics and Administration, taught by Profesora Ana Moreno. Student participation was active and animated, with various students expressing interest in another talk and in participating in activities of DEMATAC. |
| Adventure on Volcán San Martín Tuxtla April 4 & 5, 2009 |
| "La Cueva" (The Cave) Located approximately 15 minutes by car from the community of Ruiz Cortines, plus a ten minute walk. |
| Volcán San Martín Tuxtla |
| Several members of DEMATAC reached the summit of Volcán San Martin (Volcano San Martin), in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz. From the community of Ruiz Cortines, with our guides Nicolás (Don Nico) and Braulio, we traveled by pickup truck on dirt roads for approximately 1 1/2 hours. We left the truck in a field on the volcano's slope, watched over by the spirits of the mountain. Entering from the volcano's northern side, we climbed about 4 hours to the summit. We camped at an altitude of 1,370 meters (4,495 feet) above sea level, were at 1,666 meters (5,466 feet) at the crater's edge, and approximately 1700 meters (5,577 feet) at the summit. We passed places known as “La Tembladera” (place that trembles) and “El Caliente” (the heat). La Tembladera is named such because as you walk over a huge cap of vegetation several meters deep it trembles. El caliente is a vapor hole with the surrounding ground very hot; indicating that the volcano remains alive - so say the guides. |
| volcano's crater |
| During the visit we received complains of illegal lumbering and removal of protected plants. Visit: Complaints and Investigations |
| Workshop: "Solid Waste Management" April 20 & 21, 2009 |
| DEMATAC participated in the workshops of the Programa de Trabajo y Talleres de carácter participativo en torno al Proyecto MIE Identificación, Registro, Promoción y Difusión del Patrimonio Histórico y Cultural de la Eco región Los Tuxtlas y su Relación con el Manejo Integrado de Ecosistemas, presented by Julio Gómez with the assistance of Beatriz Wiechers de la Lama. In attendance were members of the communities of San Andrés Tuxtla, Santiago Tuxtla, Catemaco, Soteapana, Pajapan, Tatahuicapan y Mecayapan, plus representatives of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas and project MIE- PNUD. DEMATAC presented the workshop “Manejo Adecuado de Residuos Sólidos” (Solid Waste Management), which lasted one hour. The objective was to create awareness of the damage caused daily by solid waste, directly and indirectly, and ways that we can reduce, recycle and reuse these materials in our daily life, reducing the contamination of our planet. |
| Catemaco |
| Tatahuicapan |
| Earth Day International April 22, 2009 Celebrated publicly in Catemaco by DEMATAC and the "Comedor Gourmet" (gourmet restaurant) El Sol y La Luna |
| "Son Mulato" |
| "Taller de la Casa de Cultura de San Andrés Tuxtla " |
| "Los Encantados" |
| Special thanks to our chef and host, José Luis Tiznado, and to his lovely wife, Madeleine Carlton Faria, who we were not fortunate enough to photograph . |
| We sincerely appreciate the support of all the guests, and of the musicians for the pleasure of the music they provided free of charge in support of protecting our Mother Earth. |
| Visits to Laguna Escondida & Laguna Azul (Hidden Lagoon & Blue Lagoon) April 18, 2009 |
| Laguna Escondida |
| Route to Laguna Azul |
| Laguna Azul |
| Since February of this year, biology students and faculty of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM-Xochimilco) have been conducting field studies of Lake Catemaco in order to evaluate diverse physical chemical factors, productivity of the lake, sources of contamination, and social factors related to environmental education - among others. One of the objectives of this investigation is to realize a lake management plan to help reduce the contamination. As a part of the investigation they are contacting key groups who can provide a more general vision of the environmental problems in the area. In this context they have been in contact with DEMATAC to share information and opinions. They have promised us a copy of the results of the study before the end of this month, to be published on this web site for the purpose of informing, and bringing to the attention of, local residents, interested groups, and principally - local, state, and federal government. |
| Investigation of Lago Catemaco June 8, 2009 |
| Festival Ambiental Environmental Festival 5- 7 de junio, 2009 |
| Theater "Guiñol" |
| Presentation of Certificates of Participation to the participants of a workshop given by SENDAS, A. C., an environmental education group pertaining affiliated with CEATUX. |
| Circus, tumbling, fire dance, drums and theater |
| Debate: Public politics and citizen participation in conservation and environmental balance |
| Tree of Commitment, Environmental Clothesline & Mural |
| "This festival allowed us to discover one another, and to join hands and ideas, to hear viewpoints, to greet and embrace initiatives, to break down barriers and to build dreams. We can teach through learning, strengthen our convictions and defenses. We can see, we can know, and we can feel that we are not alone. We can do many things, and among them, those most important: celebrate, laugh, and dance to the well being of our environment; to the rhythm of the Son and the Marimba, without failing to express and declare our opinions and our concern, to demand the right to act in favor of a better world - for our present generation, and for future generations. |
| Susana Rocha |
| Inauguration of the "Centro de Acopio" (recycling center) in the community of Dos de Abril, municipality of San Andrés Tuxtlas. August 20, 2009 |
| Visit: Proyecto PET |
| Inspection Visit To Site Young Jaguars Spotted August 30, 2009 |
| DEMATAC made an inspection tour of the slopes of San Martin Tuxtla Volcano, accompanied by community residents concerned about the future of the two young jaguars discussed in “Young Jaguars Reported on the Slopes of Volcán San Martín Tuxtlas”, August 31, 2009 in our “Complaints” page, as it is known that other residents of the zone are intent upon hunting the animals. Jaguars are considered to be in danger of extinction. We were also accompanied by a representative of the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. Unfortunately, despite being invited, PROFEPA did not participate in the tour, even though they are the government institution dedicated to the preservation and protection of fauna Silvestre. We visited the area where the two cats were spotted, and spent approximately two hours looking for tracks or other signs. We plan to continue inspection tours with the object of protecting the wildlife in the area of the volcano, located in one of the three nuclear zones of the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas. |
| DEMATAC, along with residents of the community of Adolfo Ruíz Cortines and six Seguridad Publica (local police) officers under the command of Comandante Oficial Omar Castillo Betaza, made a night inspection tour of the surrounding area of the community. The tour began at 9:00 p. m. and finished at 11:30 p.m. with vehicle inspections at the principal entrances to the nuclear zone of the San Martin Tuxtla Volcano. The motive of the tour was to make our presence known and to combat continuing and constant illegal hunting in the area; as has been reported to us by local residents – especially in reference to the two young jaguars mentioned in “Young Jaguars Reported on the Slopes of Volcán San Martín Tuxtlas”, August 31, 2009 in our “Complaints” page. Unfortunately, neither the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas or PROFEPA (for the second time) sent representatives to accompany us, though they were formally invited. We hope that both will participate in future inspections, in as much as they are the principal government agencies whose duties are to inspect and protect the area and its natural resources. On our return we were fortunate to encounter a beautiful Boa Constrictor crossing the highway between Ruiz Cortines and San Andrés Tuxtla. This creature exemplifies the importance of protecting these and all species of wildlife that inhabit the area. |
| Night Inspection Tour at Volcán San Martín Tuxtla September 12, 2009 |
| Article Published in "La Politica - desde Veracruz" September 14, 2009 (in Spanish) This article refers to a project SSAP-2009-128 grant related to the Reserva de La Biosfera-Los Tuxtlas. Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago, President of DEMATAC, is the coordinator of the project. The project is independent and not affiliated with DEMATAC. |
| UN MUNDO PARA TODOS (A World for Everyone) September 21, 2009 |
| Defensores Del Medio Ambiente de Los Tuxtlas, A. C., through DEMATAC Board Member L. E. Eduardo Álvarez Ríos, organized the event “UN MUNDO PARA TODOS” ("A World for Everyone") in San Andrdés Tuxtla, Veracruz, and in relation to the world movement organized by the NGO AVAAZ.org. “Avaaz” means “Voice” in many Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European languages, and is a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: "to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want". It is an independent organization with the mission that the opinions of the majority are taken into account by governments everywhere. www.avaaz.org Unfortunately the event did not receive the attention we would have preferred due to a lack of interest by the local news media. However, in the global campaign initiated by AVAAZ, 2,632 events took place in 134 countries. In Mexico alone there were 36 events and we had the privilege to present one of those in San Andrés. |
| The sones that were sung during the event related to the environment |
| Circus Stunts by JEMODO (group of Danish entertainers) |
| Peaceful march in favor of environmental conservation |
| Nemi Flores |
| The campaign, named "Tck Tck Tck" (for the sound of a clocks tic-toc) generated a "Call to Attention About Climate Change" to world leaders; stressing the importance that they attend the United Nations Summit Meetings in Copenhagen, Denmark the 7th through the 18th of December to sign an International Agreement on climate change. DEMATAC joined with AVAAZ to support this global campaign inviting local organizations, the group "Y SIGUE LA MATA DANDO", the Danish entertainers "JEMODO", and groups of JARANEROS from the region. At 12:18 p. m. we made a phone call to Mexican President Calderón to encourage him to attend the afore mentioned UN Summit meetings. As expected, our phone call was virtually ignored, and transferred to an automated answer for "Citizen Attention". In the evening we came together in Parque Lerdo in the center of San Andrés Tuxtla for the following activities: JEMODO presented a circus act. Ten year old Nemi Flores, a student in the primary school FREINET gave a discourse regarding climate change and encouraging adults to become active in searching for solutions. After Nemi spoke we invited all those present to participate in a march through central San Andrés; carrying a banner with the following slogans: "AVAAZ "Una economía Verde como Alternativa contra el Calentamiento Global" (AVAAZ "A green economy offering alternatives Global Warming"), and DEMATAC "Construyamos un equilibrio con nuestro entorno para lograr preservar la biodiversidad como un legado a nuestros hijos" (Building and equilibrium with our environment to preserve biodiversity for our children"). Following the march, the movie "HOME" by Yan Arthus Bertrand was presented. We closed with "SON y FANDANGO" (traditional song and dance) with our accompanying Jaraneros presenting sones (traditional Mexican folk songs) with the theme of environmental preservation. |
| Movie "HOME" by Yan Arthus Bertrand |
| L. E. Eduardo Álvarez Ríos |
| 350ppm October 24, 2009 "UN MUNDO PARA TODOS" (A World for Everyone). This event is a fundamental part of the giant movement worldwide to control climate changeinitiated by the organization 350.org with which we are participating. The slogan "350" represents the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide (CO2)—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it's the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. The event took place Saturday in Parque Lerdo, San Andres Tuxtla at 7 p. m. L. E. Eduardo Álvarez Ríos Vocal |
| DISCUSSION PRESENTED BY EDUARDO ÁLVAREZ RÍOS IN "EL MARCO DEL EVENTO MUNDIAL 350" IN SAN ANDRÉS TUXTLA, VER. In Spanish. See: Actividades Octobre 24, 2009 |
| As a member of the Community of Environmental Educators of Los Tuxtlas (Comunidad de Educadores Ambientales de Los Tuxtlas - CEATUX), DEMATAC is collaborating with the diffusion and distribution of a collection of postcards depicting the biodiversity of Los Tuxtlas. The collection of 23 cards presents examples of biodiversity and regional landscapes, plus a map of the Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxtlas and projects and communities with an eco-tourism orientation. Sea turtle nesting sites are also represented. Each postcard contains informative information regarding the scene depicted, with a brief educational message in English and Spanish. The collection was produced by the Estación de Biología Tropical Los Tuxtlas (Tropical Biological Station of Los Tuxtlas) and the Instituto de Biología de la UNAM (Biological Institute of UNAM - Universidad Nacional Autónima de México). Printing and distribution are handled by CEATUX, the network of Ecoturismo Comunitario de Los Tuxtlas (Community Eco-tourism of Los Tuxtlas) and the civil association “Selva del Toztlan”. |
| Biodiversity of Los Tuxtlas Postcards November 9, 2009 |
| Maximum Price of VP: $ 130 pesos MXN Points of Distribution and Sale:
Contact: Francisco José Gómez Tel: 01 (294) 94 31867 E-mail: fjgmedith@hotmail.com |
| 2:00 p. m. All inorganic material is accepted. We ask that you bring your recyclable material to us and help us help Catemaco set an example of one step that we may take toward a better world for all of us. Lic. Luis Marthen Escobar |
| New Recycling Center in Catemaco December 6, 2009 "Reciclado de Los Tuxtlas" Calle Matamoros No. 2 esq. Av. Carranza (in front of the " Centro de Salud") Catemaco, Veracruz Tel: 294-9431575 & Cel: 294-1212252 DEMATAC congratulates Lic. Luis Marthen Escobar! |
| First Regional Forum for Sustainability in Los Tuxtlas November 23, 2009 |
| DEMATAC presented: Diagnóstico del Estado Actual del Lago Catemaco, (Diagnostic of the Actual State of Lake Catemaco) prepared by the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), in the Forum for the Sustainability, during Conservation Week, in the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de San Andrés Tuxtla. The presentation awakened much interest and discussion among the participants. In January 0f 2010 another forum will be held in Catemaco regarding problems facing Lake Catemaco. |
| First Reunion for the Organization of The Forum on Lake Catemaco December 4, 2009 |
| Vigilia por la Supervivencia (Vigil for Survival) San Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico December 12, 2009 |
| The first reunion to organize the "Foro Sobre el Lago Catemaco" (Forum On Lake Catemaco), regarding problems affecting the lake, was held in the installations of La Casa de Los Tesoros, Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico. Attending the reunion were personnel from: La Reserva de la Biosfera – los Tuxtlas, CONFOR, SEDARPA, SENDAS, A. C., Selva del Toztlan and DEMATAC. Points covered: • Invitation list for the Forum • Dates of forum • Themes to be covered in relation to Lake Catemaco At the months end another reunion will be held to further organize this forum. |
December 12, 2009: The national observance of the Virgin of Guadalupe and World Day of Social Mobilization for the Survival of the Planet. On December 12th DEMATAC again joined a global movement initiated by the organizations 350 and Avaaz in emphasis of the United Nations conferences on climate change. The vigil was held in Lerdo Park in the center of San Andres Tuxtla, Veracruz. We invited "Colectivo" and "Sigue la Mata Dando", whose representative Alddo Flores arranged their enthusiastic participation. We also invited a group of local artists from the Casa de Culture named “Tlacuilos” to paint a representation of the Virgin of Guadalupe supporting the planet. The artist Raciel Pucheta embraced the idea and created the work you see in the above photo for us. During the event we distributed candles to the participants and listened as the jaraneros sang and played Mexican sones (a Mexican style of folk music) with global and climatic themes. We consider global climate change to be an extremely, and increasingly important, issue. We hope that though vigils and programs such as this, we contribute to the awareness of this situation. |