Bahias De Huatulco Research Articles

Potencial turístico, planificación participativa, diversificación del turismo de sol y playa de Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

El artículo muestra el proceso de planificación participativa con la intención de generar elementos para estructurar y apoyar la diversificación del turismo de sol y playa de Bahías de Huatulco, situado en la costa oaxaqueña al sur de México. Esta investigación parte de un diagnóstico en los municipios aledaños del destino Bahías de Huatulco para la valoración de sus atractivos naturales y culturales, seguidamente se realizó un ejercicio participativo con los prestadores de servicios turísticos, con los comités de gestión turística de los municipios, con las autoridades municipales y la Secretaría de Turismo del estado de Oaxaca, cuyo propósito fue definir el producto turístico, la visión turística de la zona estudiada y proponer un plan estratégico. Para identificar la demanda potencial de turistas se aplicaron encuestas a turistas nacionales y extranjeros en el destino Bahías de Huatulco.

Los recursos y capacidades en la adopción de una estrategia de mercadotecnia verde: evidencia en hoteles de turismo de sol y playa de Oaxaca, México

A partir de la Teoría basada en los Recursos (TBR), en este artículo se estudia cómo los recursos y las capacidades contribuyen en la adopción de una estrategia de mercadotecnia verde (EMV) en 73 hoteles de tres, cuatro y cinco estrellas de Bahías de Huatulco y Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México. Los hallazgos demuestran que los recursos (físicos, financieros y humanos) y las capacidades (visión compartida y gestión de los grupos de interés) permiten adoptar una estrategia de mercadotecnia verde y competir a través de la comercialización de productos y servicios más amigables con el medio ambiente. Para la obtención de los datos se estratificó la muestra en tipo de alojamiento turístico y número de estrellas y se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado. Los resultados obtenidos son de utilidad al sector hotelero, las instituciones públicas y privadas encargadas del turismo como Asociaciones de Hoteles y Moteles y Secretarias de Turismo, ya que proporciona información relevante sobre los recursos y capacidades que la empresa puede utilizar para el despliegue de la estrategia de mercadotecnia verde. A la fecha, se han realizado pocos estudios empíricos que analicen el tema en cuestión, por lo cual este trabajo contribuye a la TBR debido a que las investigaciones sobre la estrategia de mercadotecnia verde se enfocan más en los efectos que tiene ésta y no en los factores que conducen a su desarrollo, lo que ha dejado un hueco en la literatura sobre los recursos y las capacidades de la empresa que contribuyen a una EMV.

Echinoderm functional diversity does not correlate with the protection level of marine protected areas in the Mexican Pacific

The functional diversity of echinoderms has been understudied, even though these organisms are critical components of various ecosystems, including coral reefs and hard-bottom benthic communities. Additionally, there are only a few papers relating the protection level of marine protected areas (MPAs) with functional diversity. In this study, we calculate the functional diversity of echinoids and asteroids in 11 coral and rocky reefs with different protection levels across the Mexican Pacific. We recorded the abundance of 15 echinoderm species comprising seven echinoid and eight asteroid species. More than 30 morphological and ecological traits of the censused species were evaluated to calculate two functional diversity indices: Rao’s quadratic entropy index (FDQ) and functional richness (FRic). Latitudinal patterns of functional diversity differed between groups. Asteroids showed the highest FDQ and FRic values in the Gulf of California. Echinoids showed FDQ peaks at the highest (Bahia de los Angeles; 28° 56′, − 113° 30′), and the lowest latitude (Bahias de Huatulco; 15° 43′, − 98° 08′) sites. The Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo site (17° 39′, − 101° 36′) had the highest FRic values. Generalized linear mixed models showed that protection level did not have any significant effect on FDQ or FRic. Latitude, on the other hand, did have a significant effect on asteroid functional diversity, although no significant effects were found for echinoids. The lack of an effect of protection level, and the support of a latitudinal gradient in terms of both taxonomic and functional diversity, has important implications for conservation efforts, supporting the idea of a protected area network to maintain adequate regional biodiversity.

Fragmento socioterritorial producida por la actividad turística en Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

This article analyzes the relationship between tourism activities and socio-territorial fragmentation in Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca, based on the p...

Spatio‐temporal variation in density and size structure of the endangered sea cucumber Isostichopus fuscus in Huatulco National Park, Mexico

AbstractThe brown sea cucumber Isostichopus fuscus (Ludwig, 1875) has been subjected to strong fishing pressure and is currently considered an endangered species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Spatial and temporal variations in density were analysed and population parameters of I. fuscus were estimated in three localities of the Southern Mexican Pacific. Density was estimated using circular transects covering a 300 m2 area in each locality. Body length and weight were also measured. The mean density was 0.018 ± 0.013 individuals·m−2, and was statistically significantly lower during summer. The mean length and weight were 22.4 ± 3.8 cm and 396 ± 130 g, respectively, and statistically significant differences were found among localities. The weight–length relationship was W = 0.28·L1.32 and the mean relative condition index (Kn) = 1.04 ± 0.31. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was Lt = 38.7·(1–exp(−0.4·t)). The lowest values of length, weight and age were found at Dos Hermanas, suggesting that this locality could be favorable for the settlement of larvae and recruitment and growth of juveniles. The present study is the second to estimate densities of I. fuscus and the first one to publish data on size structure and growth for the population at Bahias de Huatulco. The densities were so low in the three sampled localities that none of them would be able to support a fishery, even under a sustainable management scheme. The information collected in the present study could be helpful for management programs of the Huatulco National Park, as all the data used for these currently come mainly from the populations of I. fuscus in the Gulf of California.

La imposición de un espacio: de La Crucecita a Bahías de Huatulco

Este artículo explora cómo se produjo el actual espacio del Centro Integralmente Planeado Bahías de Huatulco (cip-Huatulco), cuya implantación y de-sarrollo transformó los pueblos y núcleos rurales del municipio de Santa María Huatulco. Desde un análisis geográfico-político crítico se examina qué actores participaron en su planeación y desarrollo, de qué forma influyeron y determinaron sus actuales condiciones espaciales y qué consecuencias tuvo este espacio para sus pobladores. Asimismo, analiza los conflictos que se originaron entre las diferentes instituciones (Bienes Comunales de Santa María Huatulco y Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo) y el método que se utilizó para desplazar a las comunidadesrurales de sus localidades con el fin de construir una infraestructura hotelera.

Las relaciones regionales de la economía turística en Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo revelar las relaciones económico-regionales generadas por la presencia de la actividad turística en Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca. La investigación se divide en tres partes principales: en la primera se exponen las consideraciones teóricas asociadas con el desarrollo de la actividad turística en sitios litorales de México, en donde se inserta el sitio examinado. Posteriormente, se revelan las relaciones regionales fomentadas por la presencia del turismo en Bahías de Huatulco a través de un grupo de comercios y servicios turísticos que operan en La Crucecita, Santa Cruz y Tangolunda, los tres asentamientos con mayor intensidad económica en la zona en donde se ubica el proyecto. Al final se sintetiza la intensidad de los nexos que establece Huatulco con los principales centros y regiones mediante funciones económicas diversas.

Genetic Connectivity Patterns of CoralsPocillopora damicornisandPorites panamensis(Anthozoa: Scleractinia) Along the West Coast of Mexico

Abstract: Genetic connectivity was studied in two scleractinian corals, Pocillopora damicornis (branching and broadcast spawner) and Pontes panamensis (massive and brooding type), along the Pacific coast of Mexico. Allelic diversity between adults and juveniles, the latter recruited after the El Nino—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) 1997–1998 event, was determined, and level of genetic connectivity among populations was assessed. There were no significant differences in allelic diversity between adults and juveniles from the same location. Seascape spatial genetic analysis suggested two or three clusters, depending on the species: (1) Bahias de Huatulco, (2) south of the Baja California Peninsula and Bahia de Banderas, and (3) locations in the Gulf of California. The most important barrier to gene flow was detected between Bahia de Banderas and Bahias de Huatulco and corresponds with a major coastal stretch of sandy beaches and lagoons. Moderate to high gene flow was found inside and at the entrance of the Gul...

8 She Sells Seashells: Women and Mollusks in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico

ABSTRACT In this chapter, I examine seashells recovered from a 1985 archaeological study of Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico. I focus on both the primary and the secondary functions of the shells, describing their use as food, construction material, and an important dye source. I begin by discussing the shells in their local context and then later outline arguments both for and against shell trade inland. I ask, why are the shells here, and then, why these specific shells? In answering these questions, I investigate how these shells were used, the industries that they imply, and, finally, how women are necessarily implicated in processes of collection and production.

Temporal variation of the sea urchin (Diadema mexicanum) population density at Bahias de Huatulco, Western Mexico

Sea urchins of the genus Diadema play an important role as controlers of algal growth in coral reef and rocky reef communities, but high densities cause bioerosion of the reef framework. Between January 2006 and February 2007 (except April, July and August), population densities and mean test diameter of Diadema mexicanum were determined at Isla Montosa, La Entrega, Isla Cacaluta and San Agustin, Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico. Mean density of the sea urchins was relatively constant through time at all localities: lowest at San Agustin (0.26±0.13 ind.m-2) and highest at La Entrega (4.17±1.4 ind.m-2). There were significant differences between La Entrega and other localities. Mean test diameter ranged between 4.41±0.88 cm (Isla Cacaluta) and 4.72±0.27 (San Agustin), and did no vary significantly between localities, but there were monthly variations. Test diameter agrees with other studies. The calculated amount of CaCO3 removed by D. mexicanum showed variations between localities. The lowest rate of bioerosion occurred at San Agustin (0. 25 kg.m-2.yr-1 ), and the highest at La Entrega (4 kg.m-2.yr-1). The recent urchin population decrease means a reduction in their removal of coral CaCO3: 5.55% to 2.36% at Isla Cacaluta, 5.08% to 1.40% at San Agustin and 16.59% to 3.08% at Isla Montosa. The only locality where bioerosion increased was La Entrega, from 27.04 % to 33.05 %. This reduction of urchin activities could be beneficial for coral reef growing and recovery from stress, nevertheless it could also signify an increase in algal biomass and competition with corals for light and space. We recommend a permanent monitoring and evaluation of population densities of D. mexicanum and fishes, as well as coral and algal cover at the area, to discern if changes in sea urchin densities in Bahias de Huatulco are a continuous phenomenon, or part of a natural cycle of increments and reductions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (Suppl. 3): 255-263. Epub 2009 January 05.

Bioerosion caused by the sea urchin Diadema Mexicanum (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) at Bahías de Huatulco, Western Mexico.

Mexican Pacific sea urchin studies have been focused mainly on species distribution, ecology and fisheries. Reef degradation by sea urchin bioerosion has not been studied previously en these reefs. We investigate the importance of Diadema mexicanum as a bioerosive agent of coral carbonate at Bahias de Huatulco, and the relative magnitude of coral accretion and bioerosion. At each of five localities in Bahias de Huatulco, sea urchin density, feeding and mechanical (spine) erosion was determined for three size class intervals. In general, D. mexicanum do not exert any significant role on coral reef community structure (live coral, dead coral or algal coverage) at the Huatulco area, probably because they are generally small (2.9-4 cm test size) and few in number (1.0-6.8 ind.m-2). Mean bioerosion rates are consistent with those measured for other diadematoids, as well as other urchin species in various eastern Pacific localities. However, the degree of bioerosive impact depends on species, test size, and population density of urchins. Coral carbonate removal by D. mexicanum erosion varies from 0.17 to 3.28 kgCaCO3m(-2)yr(-1). This represents a carbonate loss of < 5% of the annual coral carbonate production at Jicaral Chachacual, San Agustín and Isla Cacaluta, but 16 and 27% at Isla Montosa and La Entrega. On balance, coral accretion exceeds sea urchin erosion at all sites examined at Huatulco. At Bahias de Huatulco coral reef communities are actively growing, though in the coming years, it might be necessary to investigate the local effects of the interaction among erosion, and environmental and human induced perturbations.

NGO–Community Collaboration for Ecotourism: A Strategy for Sustainable Regional Development

An inappropriate mega-tourist project dramatically threatened the communities and ecosystems at Bahias de Huatulco, a beautiful site on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The indigenous communities in the neighbouring highlands suffered, first as their forests were logged, and then by the economic pressures and cultural onslaught from globalised tourist development. An environmentally sensitive programme to emplace an infrastructure to provide ecotourism services, supported by the traditional beach-front tourist industry, offers a mechanism to strengthen the social organisation and the economic base of the participating communities. Together with complementary activities to rehabilitate and better manage the forests, to introduce artisanal activities and create a local wildlife reserve, ecotourism is stimulating conservation efforts and sustainable management and production practices. By introducing these alternatives to the marginal economic opportunities offered by the beach tourism, the local peoples enjoy a higher quality of life and are better insulated from the cyclical swings in the national and international economy that are taking a high toll on peoples elsewhere.

Water and forests as instruments for sustainable regional development

An inappropriate development programme at a mega-tourist project has dramatically reduced water levels in the underground aquifers at Bahias de Huatulco, a beautiful site on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The indigenous communities in the neighbouring highlands suffered, as their forests were logged and their identity was threatened by the pressures from the globalised tourist programme. By compensating rural groups for their efforts to protect and rebuild these forests, a watershed rehabilitation programme sponsored by a local NGO, with funds from national and international governments, is beginning to help increase local incomes by stimulating conservation efforts and sustainable management and production practices. These programmes are strengthening communal organisations and creating alternatives to the marginal economic opportunities offered by the beach community. Their improved land and water management techniques are facilitating the recharging of the aquifer and new productive activities include reforestation, a wood products industry for forestry by-products, a pure water bottling plant, ecotourism and the creation of natural reserves.