Ecotourism in New Mexico

Emily Caballero

Ecotourism Efforts in New Mexico- Enchantment now comes in Green

The program was launched early in 2009 and started with two pilot projects the Gila and the Taos wilderness areas. The goals of the program were to:

help define & develop the product. create a networking hub for tour operators, outfitters, guides, tribes, pueblos, ranch owners and other ecotourism related businesses. responsibly promote and publicize sustainable eco/adventure travel. provide knowledge, resources and research.

The Mission

Effective sustainability planning Maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community Enhancing cultural heritage Preventing negative impacts to the environment

Gila and Taos

The Gila is a remote land, one of extreme contrasts with low deserts, expansive grasslands, and high forest covered mountains. Romance, peace, danger, challenge, and joy are all encountered here. Ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs tell stories of the Pueblo peoples.. and while all have been drawn to the abundance of natural resources over the centuries, it is sparsely settled.

Taos has been the canvas upon which the needs, desires and passions of man have expressed themselves for thousands of years. Centuries before Columbus set sail for America and hundreds of years before Europe emerged from the Dark Ages, the Taos Indians gazed up at Kachina Peak with reverence, living in harmony with the land and its abundant wildlife.

Africa has nothing on the Southwest

Chip and Sandy Cunningham founders of EcoNewMexico in 2010 The American Safari Tourist activities and volunteer work

When you bring people into contact with wild places, ancient cultures, and extraordinary wildlife, something changes them from within and become advocate and partners in the preservation process John Miur

Reactions/Press
If there is anyone out there that
does not see view New Mexico as a WORLD CLASS ECOTOURISM DESTINATION they are sadly mistakenand for us that live here it is in our backyard how incredibly fortunate are we?

Ecotourism, New Mexico style, celebrates our multi-cultural roots, love of the land and adventure through journeys that share the authentic best of each, which not only benefits those that come in contact with it, but give local communities and ecosystems a sustainable path into the future.

References
http://www.newmexico.org/ecotourism/

http://epaper.abqjournal.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=SkQvMjAxMC8w Ni8xMyNBcjAxNTAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin

http://www.eco-newmexico.com/ http://www.newmexico.org/ecotourism/wpcontent/uploads/2010/07/OutsideMagazineDec2010EcoNewMexico.pdf