Mexico

On Friday, April 18th, 2008, in the island of Cozumel, Mexico celebrated IYOR with a full day of activities. In the morning a symposium about coral reef management and conservation was held, and lectures from well known coral reefs researchers such as Dr. Roberto Iglesias from the National University of Mexico (UNAM) were given. Other speakers were directors of MPAs in Mexico, who talked about how they manage with sustainable and not sustainable fisheries, pollution, environmental education for local communities, coral reef monitoring, etc. A representative of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System gave a lecture about the conservation achievements in the area. The symposium was held at the national university of the State of Quintana Roo, (UQROO), with a good audience that included college students, representatives of local, regional and national NGO's, and representatives of the Mexican Navy among others.

A small exhibit with posters about research, conservation programs for coral reefs and IYOR posters was also held. In the afternoon, an official IYOR celebration was held at the Chankanaab Park, with participation of representatives from the Mexican Environmental Ministry (SEMARNAT/CONANP), state government, Mexican Navy, NGOs, researchers, National university of Mexico (UNAM), directors of MPAs, students and general public. IYOR planned activities in Mexico were presented.

Plan of actions

• Participation of different state Carnivals (La Paz, Cancun, Veracruz, Mazatlan) to support IYOR, where they adopt the coral reefs as a central theme.
• Photo Exhibitions
• Music Concerts
• Phone cards with IYOR 2008
• Conferences
• Talks to school children
• Publicity with TV, Radio and different media.
• Join efforts; taking advantage of existing events where they can present and support IYOR.