Laguna Bacalar Institute
Dedicated to Conserving the Pristine Ecology of Laguna Bacalar Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Mission
Laguna Bacalar
The Institute's mission is to draw attention to Laguna Bacalar's world class ranking from scientific based organizations, conservation minded groups, and world governmental bodies especially those that also have lakes of this stature. It is believed that by drawing attention to this unique Mexican natural treasure, those bodies capable of stewardship will be linked together to build the political, economic, business, and scientific consortium necessary to effectively preserve Laguna Bacalar. To do nothing will accelerate the gradual degradation of Laguna Bacalar and loss of this world treasure.
About Laguna Bacalar
Click here to add text.
Laguna Bacalar is a World Class Lake
Few know of this 35 mile long freshwater lake, but Laguna Bacalar is Mexico’s 2nd largest natural lake and one of the world’s most unique lakes. The dense Yucatan jungle and distractions such as Cancun and the Caribbean coast have helped keep this secluded lake obscured. Laguna Bacalar, however, is a world class freshwater lake. In fact, put on the table photos of all world class lakes and choose one that is visibly unique-- virtually everyone will select Laguna Bacalar. This exercise directly translates the visible uniqueness of Laguna Bacalar into a unique ecology and biogeochemistry.
Laguna Bacalar has many characteristics of the Caribbean including sharing its beautiful hues of turquoise and blue, prompting the ancient Maya to name it "Laguna de Siete Colores" (Lake of Seven Colors). Several marine species have adapted to the Laguna’s freshwaters and also freshwater stromatolites, mangroves, and resident crocodilians. Submarine cenotes, karst sink holes analogous to those in the Niagara formation of the Great Lakes, are located both within the lake itself and on its adjacent shores. The most notable of these cenotes is believed to be up to 200 meters deep (some suspect much less) and has a rich cultural history--the Maya believed they were spiritual places.
The lake today is on the cusp of becoming one of the most threatened lakes in the world. Recently discovered by the tourism industry, construction of new accommodations is accelerating rapidly, yet there is no concomitant effort for environmental protection, e.g. there is no infrastructure for sewage treatment and efforts that produce change are slow. Mexican and some international scientists are well aware of the groundwater and sanitation problems of the Yucatan Peninsula and numerous groups are working to bring this to the attention of the world community. Laguna Bacalar is a special focus point.
Water clarity of this oligotrophic, nitrogen limited system is superb, however, the eutrophication potential as a result of increasing seepage, point and non-point discharges looms large. If the lake reaches its nutrient load thresholds a series of ensuing ecological/biogeochemical changes will likely occur. If enrichment of the Laguna advances, food web and nutrient cycling perturbations, the severe over-colonization by dressenids as seen elsewhere, and probably the destruction of the unique freshwater stromatolites may ensue.
Laguna Bacalar is not immune to human activities from the surrounding watershed. Current patterns of land use, especially the sewage effluent delivery to the lake via marginal septic disposal systems threatens the sustained ecology of the lake. As nutrient thresholds are reached, first near shore and eventually throughout the lake, Laguna Bacalar will undergo eutrophication processes that will remove the lake from its world class status. Reversal of the eutrophication process generally is impossible. Construction of a centralized Bacalar sewage system, and moreover for Quintana Roo of the Yucatan Peninsula will preserve the World Class status of Laguna Bacalar.
We Appreciate Your Interest in Laguna Bacalar
A gift in support of Laguna Bacalar can be made using this link
The Laguna Bacalar Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
IRS Tax Deductable
All donations will be used to directly support the Laguna Bacalar Institute's mission. 100% of your membership fee will be used for protecting Laguna Bacalar. Donations used for salary compensation will only be used to hire community residents.
Bacalar/Cancun
Local Artist:
