Cinco de Mayo Commemorates La Batalla de Puebla

BanderasNews.com
May 5, 2015

banderasnews.com

Cinco de Mayo is a significant date in Mexican history. On May 5, 1862, Mexicans won the battle at Puebla against the much larger French army. Despite being outnumbered, the Mexican army was victorious.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Lots of us have heard of the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo, but not everyone knows what it celebrates. It is not, as some believe, Mexico's Independence Day. The festivities that occur on the fifth day of May commemorate a battle that was fought almost 50 years after Mexico declared its independence from Spain.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's independence, but it is not Independence Day. Mexico asserted its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. The festivities on May 5 are about another battle for independence - a battle fought against the French in 1862.

After the 1846 Mexican-American War, in which boundaries were clarified after Texas became the 28th U.S. state, Mexico entered a period of political and financial hardship. The Mexican civil war lasted from 1858 to 1861 and left Mexico without a stable support structure. To supplement a deflated economy, Mexico borrowed a great deal of money from other countries. Among those countries were England, Spain and France.

In 1862, all three European powers came to collect. Their navies arrived in Mexico to demand payment and land to settle the debts, but Mexico offered vouchers instead, essentially asking for more time. England and Spain accepted and went home; France invaded, seeking total control of Mexico. Under Napoleon III, French troops began at the shore and tried to make their way to Mexico City. Before they could get to the capital, they were stopped at the state of Puebla, where a major battle took place on May 5, 1862: La Batalla de Puebla.

Outnumbered and outarmed, the Mexican soldiers at Puebla, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, managed to defeat the French forces. Ultimately, the Mexican victory at Puebla only delayed the French invasion of Mexico City, and a year later, the French occupied Mexico.
But the Mexican men who fought at Puebla nonetheless defied the odds to defend its independence. Cinco de Mayo celebrates that bravery and determination, and commemorates Mexico's fight to ward off imperialist forces.

The city of Puebla holds a big annual celebration on the anniversary of the battle. But in most of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is not really celebrated. The real celebration takes place on Independence Day, the Sixteenth of September (or Diez y Seis de Septiembre), when everybody celebrates similar to the way the Fourth of July is celebrated in the U.S., with feasting, fireworks and parades dedicated to celebrating Mexico's freedom from European external powers.

Two ancient Maya cities found

thenews.mx

REUTERS PHOTO/Research Center of the Slovenian Academ y of Sciences and Arts.

 

 

Archaeologists have found two ancient Maya cities hidden in a jungle in Mexico.

 

 

REUTERS Archaeologists have found two ancient Mayan cities hidden in the jungle of southeastern Mexico, and the lead researcher says he believes there are “dozens” more to be found in the region. Ivan Sprajc, associate professor at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, said his team found the ancient cities of Lagunita and Tamchen on the Yucatan peninsula in April by examining aerial photographs of the region. Sprajc said the two cities reached their heyday in the Late and Terminal Classic periods (600-1000 AD).

Mar del Fondo Produces Three Meter Waves, Floods Road

by Maureen Dietrich

4 May 15 

mazmessenger.com

Despite the red flags, dozens of beachgoers entered the treacherous water.

The annual mar del fondo oceanic phenomenon is causing havoc along Pacific coastal areas prompting the Federal government to post alerts in Sinaloa, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas.

Its affects have been felt in Mazatlán since Saturday when lifeguards closed all beaches. Despite the red flags, dozens of beachgoers entered the treacherous water where three meter waves with strong undercurrents pounded the normally tranquil beaches.

Waves flooded access walkways in the Zona Dorada beside the Inn at Mazatlán and south of the El Cid hotel towers.

Waves have been pounding up against and breaching retaining walls of hotels and private residences flooding access walkways in the Zona Dorada beside the Inn at Mazatlán and south of the El Cid hotel towers. Flood waters reached Av. Camarón Sábalo where traffic was forced to slow down to wade through the overflow.

Mazatlán’s Port Captain closed navigation for small boats including sports fishing and recreational boating. Juan Romero of the Office of the Port Captain said the closure could be in effect until tomorrow (Tuesday) when they would re-evaluate the situation.

The Secretary of National Defence stated Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítz in Guerrero have suffered the most damage from the mar del fondo. There a total of 218 homes were damaged, one person died and another disappeared.

The National Meteorological Service advised the oceanic phenomenon would continue for another 48 hours.

(from Noroeste)

Deputies Approve Single Emergency Number

by Murry Page
2 May 15
mazmessenger.com

México’s Chamber of Deputies approved setting 066 as the only emergency telephone number for civil protection, emergency response and complaints. The Chamber called on the National Center for Crime Prevention and Citizen Participation to promote the use of 066 as the only emergency number at federal, state and local levels.

Last November president Nieto called for a single emergency number for the country. At that time the number 911 was being discussed.

(from Milenio)

New works in Mazatlan get praise

Enrique Peña Nieto inagurates a new bypass in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. CUARTOSCURO/PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

EPN opens new Mazatlán bypass

THE NEWS
thenews.mx


“Infrastructure projects like this one, raise our level of competitiveness and promote investment in Mexico,” President Enrique Peña Nieto said this week during the inauguration of an 8 kilometer bypass in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

“Mexico is now among the ten most attractive countries for investment,” he said.

“Yes we can compete” and today, there are two powerful reasons why to invest in Mexico.
“The first is our developing infrastructure and the second the scope of the structural reforms.”

Accompanied by Governor Mario López Valdez, the Communications and Transportation Secretariat head, and entrepreneur Carlos Slim, the president said that society should be the main protagonist and beneficiary of the structural reforms while the government should be efficient in implementing them.

The president said that the future of Mexico has been established with the structural reforms, consolidating the nation as a new platform and an important destination for global investment.

Peña Nieto stressed that in terms of infrastructure, the government is working as a team and not through isolated efforts.

In terms of road infrastructure, he mentioned a project to modernize 80 highways with a total of 4,000 kilometers. This is in addition to 46 new highway projects with a total of 3,000 kilometers. “This projects will give a new face of modernity and will allow Mexican companies to be more competitive,” he said.

Peña Nieto acknowledged the importance of entrepreneurs who have the responsibility of making Mexico grow.

He reiterated his invitation for Mexicans to have faith in government capacities.

“The world is watching Mexico, and it knows there are conditions to invest with security and competitiveness,” he said.

New Regulations For The Use of Drones in Mexico

theyucatantimes.com

Large drones over 25 kilograms will require an operating permit and the operator must have a pilot’s license.

Mexico has published rules governing the use of drones, allowing people to operate the smallest drones in daylight without a permit but with safety rules.

MEXICO MOVES TO REGULATE USE OF DRONES (Photo: Google)

Mexico’s Transportation Department has established three classes of drones according to size.
The smallest weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or less. They won’t require a permit, but like all other drones must stay 9.2 kilometers (5.72 miles) away from airports and 900 meters (985 yards) from helicopter pads.

Medium-size drones are defined as weighing between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms (55 pounds), and require a permit unless they’re operated on the grounds of a flight club.

Under rules published Wednesday, large drones over 25 kilograms will require an operating permit and the operator must also have a pilot’s license.

Source: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/in-english/

Tips for Disabled Travelers Visiting Mexico

theyucatantimes.com

Persons wih disabilities obviously have the right and the freedom to travel and move around the world, despite of their physical incapacities. After all, travel restrictions have no room for anyone who wishes to know about the cultures and social conventions of other parts of the world.


Traveling through Mexico if you are disabled

If you are disabled or have low mobility, Mexico will be quite a challenging place to get around in.
However, if you really want to visit Mexico, don’t let its under-development in this area put you off!
By planning your trip carefully, and staying at higher-end hotels (which are more modern, recently built and thus the architecture caters for wheelchair access), you will find that you will be able to visit Mexico and not spend your whole time maneuvering around what may seem a field of obstacles.
Some of the most important archaeological sites (such as Chichen Itza), have wheel chair access and disabled people can easily tour the place.

To make everything much more convenient for these special persons; they, along with their travel companions have to plan ahead of their scheduled trip (Photo. http://www.hotels-and-beach-resorts.com)

Planning Tips for Disabled Travelers

Choose a nice ocean resort, and fly there – either directly or with a connecting flight in the USA. Once you get there, use taxis or Rent a Car to get around. (Several Car Rental Companies, such as Alamo Rent a Car provide a range of Adaptive Driving Devices for customers with disabilities).
Major Car Rentals such as Alamo, will use good faith efforts to satisfy requests for vehicles with hand controls, left foot accelerators, spinner knobs, or pedal extenders, as soon as reasonably practical, they may require up to two to three business days notice for vehicles equipped with Adaptive Driving Devices depending on the location of the branch where such a vehicle is requested.

However, at certain major airport locations, vehicles equipped with Adaptive Driving Devices may be available with as little as 24 hours advance notice.

Rent a car locally so that you and your party can visit the places you want to see with the flexibility and freedom an independent car provides. Fact is, public transportation is inadequate for the disabled in Mexico.

Through Mexico Accessible Travel Agency you can rent scooters, wheelchairs and other devices (Photo: Mexico Accessible)

A Travel Agency might be able to help you plan your trip

Nowadays, most people research, plan, book and make their reservations online; but there are major Travel Agencies in the U.S that work to meet the special needs of disabled and mature travelers. They research clients’ vacation choices and plan each person’s trip on an individual basis to make their trip enjoyable and rewarding by trying to eliminate unpleasant “surprises.”

Some Travel Agencies in Mexico, such as Mexico Accessible, feature traveling services specially created to attend the needs of people with disabilities, adulthood or any other factor that requires medical / personal attention.

Disabled and mature travelers are always welcome in Mexico (Photo: Mexico Accesible)

Make arrangements in advanced

Make the proper arrangements in advanced, if you’re planning to visit certain places that interest you, call one of these travel specialists ahead of time, and ask what resorts or hotels have facilities to cater for disabled people. They may be able to make special arrangements for you if necessary.


Inquire about accessibility

Before persons with disabilities leave for their scheduled departure, it is of a primary requisite and importance to inquire about their accessibility. This includes people who ambulate themselves, through crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Be sure that the places that they are planning to visit will provide them with the best kinds of accessibilities that they badly need. Among the travel premises that must have special lanes for the disabled are as follows:

a. Parking lots
b. Hallways
c. Bathrooms
d. Doorways


Always ask for Assistance

Ask for Assistance if you find yourself in a place that seems inaccessible, the people that work at tourist and recreational centers in Mexico are always happy to help their customers; (for example, it may appear that there is no elevator) – don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Sometimes, there will be a cargo elevator hidden away in a corner, or the staff may come up with an impromptu and perhaps quite ingenious way to help you get to where you want to go!

Travels are the nicest experiences that everybody must be allowed to explore and cherish for a lifetime. Therefore, persons are entitled to enjoy their vacation as much as anybody else.

Sources:

• http://www.hotels-and-beach-resorts.com/
• Mexico Accesible

Mazatlán Moto Club Holds Charity Bazaar

by Maureen Dietrich
1 May 15
mazmessenger.com

Motoclub Mazatlán is inviting motorcycle enthusiasts to a sale of souvenirs from their 2015 Motorcycle Week last month from noon to 8pm beginning today and ending on Sunday.

The bazaar is located in the Gran Plaza shopping mall parking lot under the Cinépolis sign structure close to the entrance to the parking area.

Roberto Castañeda, president of the club, said a portion of the sales will be donated to Fundación Down, Fundación Letty Coppel, USAER 35 and to Bryan, a young boy who suffered burns on 85 percent of his body.

(from Noroeste)

“Pajaritos” Arrive Early this Year

by Maureen Dietrich
1 May 15
mazmessenger.com

The season for pajaritos, a small fish that is a favourite of Mazatlecans, has arrived two weeks ahead of schedule this year. The annual influx of the delicacy usually begins around May 15 said seafood vendors at the Juárez market, but they have already made their appearance off the shores of Teacapán and Escuinapa.

Panga fishermen at Playa Norte said they have begun to see small schools of pajaritos appear in different locations off shore in Mazatlán and hope that unlike last year when the fish bypassed Mazatlán completely, it will be a bumper crop this year.

Pajaritos are selling for 50 pesos a kilo or 60 pesos for cleaned fish ready for the fryer.

 (from Noroeste)

066 will be the sole emergency number

 

Operators are not always standing by. quadratín

 

Mexico News Daily | Thursday, April 30, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

The Chamber of Deputies has approved legislation that will make 066 the official, nation-wide emergency number for civil protection, emergency response and denunciations. But there is some work to be done if the service is to function better than it has.

 

Deputies approved the amendment to the National Public Safety System Law with 362 votes in favor and four abstentions, giving the National Center for Crime Prevention and Citizen Participation the responsibility to promote the service among federal, state and municipal governments.
 
A single number to call for all emergencies was one of 10 measures presented last November by President Peña Nieto in response to the Iguala tragedy. At the time it had been intended to adopt 911, the number used in the United States and Canada. The reason for staying with 066 has not been reported, but perhaps it’s because the number is already well known.
 
However, it’s not always well operated. Two thieves who robbed a recycling business last Saturday in Torreón, Coahuila, should be thankful to 066 operators. Their victim called the number and waited 40 minutes for an answer.

After the thieves took 10 envelopes containing close to 200,000 pesos (US $13,000), they quickly hopped into a getaway car. But they needn’t have worried: they had time to spare given the 066 delay.

In Tampico, a woman named Esther stepped outside her home to make a phone call one evening when an unknown assailant grabbed her, punched her in the stomach and threatened rape.

Upon hearing her cries, two neighbors pursued the assailant, who took off on foot, while one called 066. The operator calmly asked a series of questions for five minutes. An hour later, state police showed up.

When asked why they took so long, police said the emergency responder had only just passed along the call, and recommended calling the police station instead. “You called 066? They always call us too late. What you need to do is call us directly, at the moment that you need us. We will come instantly and leave the questions for after.”

Source: Milenio (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/066-will-be-the-sole-emergency-number/#sthash.wgwPtQ5o.dpuf

BC could be site of new telescope project

 

Possible CTA sites. cta-observatory.org

 

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, April 29, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

Mexico is one of two countries on a short list for the construction of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a project that will be the world’s largest and most sensitive, ground-based gamma-ray observatory.

Two sites are to be selected, one in the northern hemisphere and a second, larger installation in the south. The latter will consist of about 100 Cherenkov telescopes.
 
Mexico is already the site of the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory (HAWC) situated on a mountain in Puebla. It went into full operation last month.

The new observatory will complement HAWC, said the director of the Institute of Astronomy at the National Autonomous University (UNAM). The latter continuously observes a large part of the sky while the CTA observes smaller regions at a higher resolution, said William Lee Alardin.

The two locations under consideration for the CTA in the northern hemisphere are La Palma, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, and San Pedro Mártir in Baja California, already the site of the National Astronomical Observatory, operated by UNAM. Southern hemisphere sites in the running are in Chile and Namibia.

 

Requirements are clear and cloudless skies, research infrastructure and a large flat piece of land on which to erect dozens of telescopes.

The choice between Mexico and Spain will be made in November and construction, expected to take five years, will begin next year.

Twenty-nine countries and 1,000 scientists and engineers are involved in the CTA project.

Source: El Economista (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/bcs-could-be-site-of-new-telescope-project/#sthash.rqIDW1pp.dpuf

23,000 Mexicans Take Part in Educational Exchanges with U.S.

laht.com

MEXICO CITY – U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a speech praising Mexican-U.S. educational exchange programs that last year brought some 23,000 students and teachers from Mexico to the United States.

“It is a good experience,” Blinken told Mexican students in a meeting organized by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. “When you talk with people who have done exchanges they will always emphasize that it helped them to develop abilities for leadership and teamwork.”

Presidents Barack Obama and Enrique Peña Nieto established in May 2013 a Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research, known as FOBES II, to “combine efforts and increase exchange opportunities,” in support of “economic and educational goals,” the embassy said in a statement.

Between January and June 2014, six bilateral working groups held meetings with the participation of 450 representatives of academia, civil society and the business sector to identify new fields for collaboration, the statement added.

The Bilateral Forum is part of Obama’s “100,000 Strong in the Americas” initiative aimed to increase academic mobility between the United States and the rest of the hemisphere.

Mexico, in turn, created the Proyecta 100 Mil program to send 100,000 students to the United States and to receive 50,000 students from north of the border by 2018.

During his visit, Blinken talked with a score of students in different programs sponsored by governments and the private sector that, over the past year, have served more than 8,000 university students and graduates.

One of those programs allowed Mariana Rojas, 18, to visit several U.S. sites as she designed a project seeking to reduce the dropout rate at her Mexico City school.

“We were able to implement the project and the dropout rate came down 10.2 percent in the last school year,” Rojas told Efe.

Blinken also talked with Francisco Javier Roman, 22, a student of Development Engineering and Business Innovation who spent four months in San Antonio, Texas.

“I learned many things, I learned to be more independent and to function in a country with a different language,” he said.

Last year, Proyecta 100 Mil sent 7,500 students to learn English in the United States.

The History of El Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) in Mexico

Marie Callan - BanderasNews.com
April 30, 2015

banderasnews.com

In Mexico, May 1st is a Federal holiday known as 'Dia del Trabajo,' with banks, schools, government offices, and many businesses closed. So kick back, relax, and have a safe and happy May Day!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - May 1st, International Worker's Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in every country except the United States and Canada. This is despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880's in the U.S., with the fight for an eight-hour work day led by immigrant workers.

In Mexico, May 1st is a Federal holiday known as Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) or Primero de Mayo. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed, but most shopping centers and many restaurants will remain open for business.

Having the day off means people can either relax at home or spend time with family or friends. In the main streets of major cities, Labor Day parades, rallies or demonstrations often feature large crowds holding banners to promote workers' rights.

A Bit of History
At the end of the nineteenth century, the need for Mexican workers to have more humane and fair work conditions became apparent, but Mexico's labor movement was repressed in places such as Cananea.
In June 1906, the Cananea Strike, also known as the Cananea Riot took place in the Mexican mining town of Cananea, Sonora. Although the workers were forced to return to their positions with no demand being met, the action was a key event in the general unrest that emerged during the final years of the regime of President Porfirio Díaz and that prefigured the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

During the Mexican Revolution, various capitalist factions vied for power whilst attempting to overthrow the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz. Meanwhile the Agrarian movement of Emiliano Zapata and the emerging urban working class attempted to defend their own interests amidst the chaos.

This armed conflict is often categorized as the most important sociopolitical event in Mexico and one of the greatest upheavals of the 20th century; it resulted in an important experimentation and reformation in social organization.

The Constitution of 1917 instigated significant social reforms to labor laws and provided for equality without discrimination, among other reforms.

According to some sources, a Labor Day parade was held in Mexico as early as 1913, but the holiday that commemorates the struggle of the Mexican working class wasn't officially celebrated until May 1, 1923.

While many countries celebrate May 1st in different ways, including the traditional Maypole ceremony, here in Mexico it is a day of rest and reflection. So kick back, relax, and have a safe and happy May Day!

Costco Opens in Culiacán: Mazatlán Next?

by Maureen Dietrich
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Costco inaugurated its 34^th store in Mexico yesterday in Culiacán with an investment of 40 million dollars. The store will employ 300 people directly and 500 indirectly.

At the opening attended by government officials, businessmen and tourist associations, the President of Costco México, Jaime González, said they are talking about future plans to open a store in Mazatlán and with luck it will happen soon.

(from Noroeste)

Fire Breaks Out behind Sectur Building

by Maureen Dietrich
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com 

Brush in an empty lot behind the Secretary of Tourism (Sectur) building on Av. Del Mar caught fire yesterday morning, reported rescue personnel.

A fire truck arrived immediately but could not access the lot which borders on the Laguna El Camarón until Sectur personnel helped by directing the trucks through Sectur grounds to the back of the building where the fire was located.

Firemen were able to suffocate the blaze before it reached nearby high tension cables.

(from Noroeste)

Banks Closed on Friday

by Murry Page
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

México’s banks and the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) will be closed Friday, May 1, in recognition of International Labor Day.

According to the general provision of the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) establishing legal holidays in the financial sector, the institutions will close on Friday and reopen for business on Monday, May 4.

However, banks that offer their services in stores and supermarkets will be open to the public during their normal business hours on Monday.

Customers of banks will have available to them telephone banking services, internet banking and 36,000 ATMs across the country, where they can make balance inquiries and cash withdrawals.

 

(from Azteca Noticias)

Bank of Mexico Changes How Loan Costs Are Calculated to Spur Competition

laht.com

MEXICO CITY – The Bank of Mexico said Monday it was implementing a series of changes effective Oct. 26 that would make the calculation of the annual percentage rate (APR) on loans more exact and clear, spurring greater competition in lending.

The objective is to “specify, clarify and simplify the methodology for calculating” the APR on loans, as well as the factors that financial companies use in determining and disclosing the total cost of loans, the central bank said in a statement.

Among the rules being implemented is one that requires lenders on automobile loans to include the cost of mandatory collision insurance in the calculation of the APR.

Cash deposits that borrowers are required to provide, as well as commissions charged for securing preferential rates, must be included in the APR’s calculation.

The rules also cover how commissions, insurance premiums and other costs are calculated in the APR, and they list the different factors that must be accounted for in APR calculations, the Bank of Mexico said.

The rules update and change regulations adopted in 2009 in an effort to make the APR “a tool for information and comparisons that can be used by public users of loans made by financial and business entities, as well as increasing efficiency,” the Bank of Mexico said.

Bypass Road Closed while Awaiting Presidential Inauguration

by Maureen Dietrich
28 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Accesses to the bypass road are blocked and convoys of army trucks were observed patrolling the road.

Although Mazatlán’s bypass road, Libramiento Mazatlán, has been open to traffic since December 19 last year, it was closed to vehicles three days ago in anticipation of the arrival of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto tomorrow to inaugurate the toll road.

The President was slated to open the road in November but cancelled a few days before the planned event in the middle of a political crisis surrounding his wife´s purchase of a house dubbed the “Casa Blanca” from a construction company with ties to the Presidential administration.

The road closure affected vehicle traffic as drivers entering Villa Unión were re-routed to the International highway to connect with Libramiento Colosio to continue north of Mazatlán. Media stated all traffic lights on Libramiento Mazatlán were covered in black plastic bags and confusion reigned at the glorieta to enter Mazatlán as a result of inadequate direction signs.

Accesses to the bypass road are blocked and convoys of army trucks were observed patrolling the road.

The President is scheduled to inaugurate Libramiento Mazatlán tomorrow morning at approximately 11:30am after which the road will re-open.

(from Noroeste)

Lifeguards Issue Jelly Fish, Stingray Warnings

by Maureen Dietrich
27 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Mazatlán lifeguard squad commander, Sergio Cervantes Rodríguez, said that during this past weekend at least 16 people were affected by jelly fish burns, stingray jabs or were caught in riptides along popular beaches.

Four suffered jelly fish burns, three on beaches in front of the Las Flores hotel in the Golden Zone and one in Playa Brujas, and two tourists were stung by stingrays in front of the Costa de Oro hotel.

Ten swimmers were rescued by lifeguards after being caught in underwater currents, four of which were women swimming at the beach in front of the El Cid Hotel. None of those rescued required medical assistance or hospitalization.

Cervantes Rodríguez called on bathers to respect the flags posted along beaches to avoid any problems.

(from Noroeste)

Mexico & Panthera Work Towards Jaguar Conservation

Panthera.org
go to original
April 27, 2015

JCI will focus on developing environmentally sustainable and economically viable tools that help people who share these environments mitigate human-jaguar conflict, one of the threats to the jaguar's survival.

New York, NY – Several Senators from Mexico and Panthera, an organization dedicated to the conservation of wild cats worldwide, achieved a significant step toward jaguar protection last week.

In Mexico City, Senator Gabriela Cuevas, President of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Mexican Senate, led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Panthera's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alan Rabinowitz.

As part of the agreement, Panthera expressed its desire to work with the Senate, academia, and non-governmental organizations in Mexico with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of conserving jaguars and assisting in the implementation of science-based conservation actions, which will be framed by Mexico's official recovery plan for the species, or the Action Plan for the Conservation of Species (PACE).

Although the jaguar is a symbol of the natural and cultural heritage of Mexico, their range has been reduced by over 50%. The jaguar is currently in danger of extinction due to habitat destruction, poaching and declining prey.
The Mexican government and Panthera will develop a work plan to complement existing jaguar conservation activities in the country, with Panthera pledging to implement those that are currently employed in 13 Latin American countries as part of its Jaguar Corridor Initiative (JCI).
A priority initiative is to confirm the current distribution of the jaguar, the areas of connectivity between populations within Mexico, and the trans-boundary jaguar populations of Guatemala and Belize.

Activities will focus on developing environmentally sustainable and economically viable tools that help people who share these environments mitigate human-jaguar conflict, which is one of the main threats to the jaguar's survival.

The activities will be conducted through collaboration and recruitment of Mexican biologists who work in coordination with agencies such as the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), among others.

During last week's signing, Senator Cuevas said, "The jaguar is a symbol of the culture and history of Mexico. It is the most representative American feline and is emblematic of biodiversity and conservation of species." She continued, "Rarely are such diverse causes intertwined with so many issues, ranging from foreign affairs and protection of the environment, to climate change, education and agriculture."

Panthera's CEO Dr. Alan Rabinowitz said, "We are thrilled to join forces with the Senate and to contribute to the protection and conservation of the jaguar and the corridors between their populations in Mexico."

Dr. Rabinowitz continued, "Mexico is the northern border for the distribution of jaguars and maintaining connectivity between populations of jaguars is vital for the survival of the jaguar and the biodiversity that lives within these areas. Today's Memorandum represents a new stage in jaguar conservation and an important alliance between Panthera and Senators from Mexico. We hope to collaborate with Mexican biologists, legislators, academics, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations dedicated to conservation, and to complement and enhance their efforts to promote the protection of this majestic feline."

Jaguar range currently includes 18 countries in Latin America, from Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina, and occasionally in the United States. Panthera's Jaguar Corridor Initiative (JCI) comprises nearly six million square kilometers through a mosaic of environments within these countries.

The JCI seeks to connect and protect jaguar populations, especially those that live and move through landscapes dominated by humans, helping to maintain genetic diversity and thus increase the long-term survival of this species.

Since 2008, Panthera has supported research in Mexico to determine the presence of the jaguar in the corridors south of the Sierra Madre Oriental, in Sinaloa and in the jungles of the Lacandon. Panthera is continuing its partnership with the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, mapping jaguar habitat use in the Sonora-Jalisco Corridor and contributing to the conservation strategy for the corridor.

Panthera researchers are exploring possibilities to establish a long-term study in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan and Colima, in order to have a more precise understanding of the distribution of jaguars and their prey. Last week's signing represents Panthera's eighth jaguar conservation agreement with Latin American countries.

Original article