MERIDA — The tireless work of Joann Andrews and the contribution she has made over the past 50 years to the conservation, protection and sustainable use of ecosystems, their biodiversity and environmental services provided to society, were recognized by Pronatura Peninsula of Yucatan in a recent tribute at Marista University.
The event was held in the auditorium of Marista University with the attendance of numerous people who have collaborated with her at different times or appreciate her work, as well as authorities related to the academic, environmental and nature conservation areas.
During the event and after listening to the words of several people who spoke about their work experience with Joann Andrews, a recognition was given to her work, contribution and collaboration in favor of the conservation of nature on behalf of Ricardo Ponce Gutiérrez and María Teresa Puig, members of the Pronatura Board of Directors.
Recognition ceremoney for Joann Andrews, president and founder of Pronatura Península de Yucatán. Also present (from left) Juan Carlos Seijo Gutierrez, Miguel Baquedano Pereza, Eduardo Batllori Sanpedro, Jose Luis Rodriguez Semerena. PHOTO: Diario de Yucatan
Soon a commemorative plaque bearing her name that was unveiled will be installed in her honor at the “El Zapotal” field station in Tizimín, which with her support and vision became the first under the private conservation scheme.
The site with four thousand hectares of rainforests and wetlands contributes to the protection of 48% of resident and migratory birds of the Peninsula and five species of felines, jaguar and puma.
Joann Andrews is also recognized as the representative and president of the chapter of Pronatura Mexico from 1984 to 1989, and for founding Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan in 1990, as well as for being a pioneer in promoting the conservation and protection of sea turtles in areas priority for 30 years.
With her motivation, she has involved many researchers to develop technical studies and establish some protected areas in the Peninsula, such as the Biosphere Reserves of Ría Lagartos, Ría Celestún, Calakmul, the flora and fauna protection areas of Tim Balam and Otoch Ma. ‘ax Yetel Kooh, known as Punta Laguna, and the area subject to Balam Ku conservation.
Joann Andrews said she was grateful for the recognition she would receive and for the presence of so many friends at the event.
She spoke about some of the protected areas where Pronatura works, but above all extolled the beauty of being surrounded by nature and experiencing a couple of nights in the jungle enjoying the sounds of the animals that live there and invited everyone to experience it.
As part of the tribute was inaugurated an exhibition of photographs that shows the biodiversity of the Yucatan Peninsula, integrated by a selection of images of members of the Association of Photographers of Nature of Mexico, which will be a traveling exhibition.
Source: yucatan.com.mx
