Coatepec is an active participant in Agenda 21, a program of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division of Sustainable Development. You can read about this world-wide program in English here. Coatepec has a web page in Spanish devoted to describing aspects of its participation here.
The focus for Coatepec is on the development of sustainable tourism, but the ramifications spread beyond tourism. As the official Coatepec webpage says,
"Agenda 21 is the action plan for putting into practice the principles contained in the Carta de la Tierra, [Earth Charter in English]. It involves planning for the future with short, medium and long term actions outined in a clear plan with goals, resources and responsibilities clearly defined. That is to say, Agenda 21 is a broad global program to propel a sustainable future for the planet."
In Mexico and Coatepec, efforts are focused on developing sustainable tourism:
"The objective is to be a program which guides the actions and means to enhance sustainable development in tourism, increasing the well-being of human beings, respecting the environment and optimizing the economic and social benefits for communities.
- It is an international program dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism.
- It promotes integrated action by the government, businesses and organized civil societies.
- It helps to develop resources for productive projects in urban, economic, social, and environmental areas.
- It is endorsed by the World Organization of Tourism and the United Nations.
- The development of an earthworm composting project,
- An ongoing used battery collection project at local schools,
- A tire-recycling project for materials for spaces at the Coatepec fairgrounds,
- River rescue projects -- Coatepec is cleaning its waterways and developing sewage treatment plans,
- Many tree-planting projects,
- Educational efforts throughout the schools."
The article continues:
Last year, a permanent program of collection and stockpiig batteries and used tires was begun which citizens, schools and private businesses supported enthusiastically. Now we would like to make make people aware of how important it is that edible oils not arrive in our water systems. At present, when used oil goes down the drain, it makes it water treatment more difficult and raises its costs. Furthermore, if this oil arrives in water tables, it alters the life cycles of aquatic life.
"The idea is to collect edible oils from homes and restaurants in Coatepec to to containers which the business Bio-Oil will provide. It is recommended that housewives and restaurant owners collect used oil in PET bottles [I am not sure what these are] to bring to designated collection points. The first collection point will be installed at the DIF offices in Coatepec, located on Zaragoza at the corner of Terán.
"From here, the oil will be taken to a business authoried by SEMARNAT [Mexico's Department of the Environment and Natural Resources] to be processed into bio-diesel fuel."
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