The news about a few Tulum resorts being closed down by Mexico’s Environmental Department, with a few more under investigation, created a local uproar of indignation.

The officials claim the resort owners never had planning and building permissions, while the owners say they do but apparently it will take time to prove that they legally own the land… which frankly sounds a bit odd.

That corruption is a usual practice in Mexico and some businesses start operating by paying to get their papers in orders is no big news, and the resort owners are claiming the police has been paid by someone interested in the repossession of a land ‘that is worth millions of dollars’.

But we are talking about a federal park here. Why should it be so difficult to prove whether these businesses have been build within or outside its boundaries? And why are we talking about someone’s interest in the land repossession if the federals say they want to eventually demolish the buildings to leave the area untouched?

Surely last time I went to Tulum I wondered whether the boundaries of Tulum’s National Park were actually shrinking… The park includes the Mayan ruins and it is supposed to preserve the local flora and fauna, the latter escaping somewhere else after being stressed out by the stress-escaping tourists.

Tulum has been progressively transforming itself from a laid back retreat - a paradise to those attracted by the pristine beach, the lush jungle and the candle lit cabanas - to a ‘bohemian eco-chic beach resort’, with funky beach bars cum cocktail lounges, and gourmet seafood restaurants featuring ‘Asian–inspired touches’ (???)

I have nothing again the ‘Eco-chic’ trend, I think sustainable practices and eco policies can live together with comforts and style (not with luxury, but this is another story…), I am just not convinced that the eco-policies of the most recent developments go beyond some solar powered Ipod docking stations.

After having made sure they have the right to be there in the first place, proper investigations should be conducted on their energy and waste systems, or on their employment conditions to prove their actual sustainability in such an environmentally and socially sensitive area.

Tulum photo album

Here we are again, more news about dolphins waiting in sea pens to be exported to marine amusement parks, some of them even labeled as ‘eco’!!

As reported by Marine Connection - UK based charity - the Solomon Islands issued a Non-Detriment Finding (a document approving the international wildlife trade) without bothering to undertake the scientific surveys required by International legislation.

But does not a commercial offer always follow a market demand? What can be done to educate people not to visit these parks? Maybe it will be a good idea targeting children organising talks in school?

And as per the Travelmole’s article reporting the news, shouldn’t tour operators who are claiming to become ‘greener’ stop promoting excursions to captive dolphins parks?

Amongst the biggest tour operators, TUI are partners of the UN initiative “Year of the Dolphin”, and Virgin Holidays sponsor one of the most important Responsible Tourism Awards..

One of the many TUI holidays promoting Florida’s Seaworld parks
Cancun resorts with Swim with Dolphins programs, promoted by Virgin

We want less greenwashing and more responsible actions!!