Tag Archives: sustainable

Huatulco

The ALMA experience, chapter 2: Sustainability

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An interview with the creators of ALMA,
Frédéric Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert—

In this interview, we continue the conversation with Frédéric Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert, the developers behind ALMA, an architectural project in Huatulco that blends design, sustainability, and community. They share what sustainability really means behind the scenes—beyond labels, and beyond marketing.

Where does the sustainability commitment behind ALMA come from?

Noémie: Sustainability is deeply rooted in the genesis of ALMA and closely tied to my own professional background. I spent much of my career working in renewable energy and environmental solutions, so seeking out responsible and ecological approaches has always felt quite natural to me.

I moved from France to China at 23 and began working in the photovoltaic sector. Over the following twelve years, across China, Europe, and California, I met many innovators developing sustainable solutions with real impact.

What fascinates me is how unknown or underestimated many of these solutions still are when it comes to reducing the environmental footprint of both construction and the daily operation of a home. Bringing these cutting-edge innovations to a place like Huatulco feels both meaningful and necessary.

Why choose Huatulco to create and develop ALMA?

Frédéric: Before deciding to live in Mexico, we spent eighteen months traveling extensively throughout Asia. Time and again, we encountered places that were saturated, polluted, or developed without restraint.

We’ve felt despair on beaches covered in plastic, frustration in resorts built in tropical climates with no consideration for shade or natural airflow. We’ve witnessed deforestation for palm oil, untreated sewage flowing into pristine rivers, and absurd contradictions like indoor skiing in the desert. All of this pushed us to look for a place with a genuinely sustainable DNA — not just on paper, but reflected in daily decisions.

When we discovered Huatulco in 2020, along with the long-term federal vision behind its development beginning in the 1980s, it felt different. In many ways, Huatulco was ahead of its time.

And while continued investment in innovation will be necessary for Huatulco to maintain its commitments, we genuinely want to be part of this positive movement.

With so many developments claiming to be sustainable, how do you recognize sustainability in real estate?

Noémie: I spent fifteen years as an international director working in both marketing and sustainability — two fields that, unfortunately, still often share the same budget because sustainability is too frequently treated as part of the storytelling.

In reality, sustainability is much more than that. It is about “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It requires understanding, measuring, reducing, mitigating, and compensating for all of our impact. Solar panels or certifications can help, but they mean very little if a project relies heavily on air conditioning, wastes natural resources, or completely erases native biodiversity.

Some of the most impactful initiatives implemented at ALMA:

1. Low density: ALMA includes 47 properties where FONATUR permits 83, building at just over half the allowed density. This is the most meaningful sustainability decision a developer can make, as it directly impacts profitability.

2. Material reuse: All stone excavated on site is reused for walls and landscaping, avoiding quarry extraction and significantly reducing construction impact.

3. Water management: ALMA built a 300,000-liter potable water cistern, providing greater flexibility for municipal distribution, and treats 100% of the residences’ wastewater on site — even during construction. Treated water is fully reused for irrigation and green roofs. ALMA is the first private residential project in Huatulco to refrain from sending wastewater to the municipal sewage system, and the only one to use treated water for all irrigation, reducing its overall water footprint by 35–40%.

4. Bioclimatic design: Homes are naturally cooled to minimize air-conditioning use — the primary source of energy consumption in high-end residences. Green roofs reduce temperatures by up to 4°C (7°F), wide overhangs provide cooling shade, and cross-ventilation enhances natural airflow. Inverter fan-and-coil air-conditioning systems further reduce energy use by at least 30%.

Many other initiatives coexist as well — from waste management to sustainable material and supplier selection — and we’re always happy to share details.

Does sustainability make a real difference for your clients?

Frédéric: Absolutely. Sustainability translates into very tangible benefits for ALMA residents.

Forever-preserved views: Strict low density and height limits ensure long-term views and tranquility while green roofs of the lower properties benefit higher-line property owners by blending seamlessly into the landscape.

Lower utility costs: Natural cooling strategies and water reuse drastically reduce electricity and water consumption.

Enhanced privacy: Low density and abundant vegetation to ensure greater privacy.

Biodiversity at home: Native vegetation and green roofs attract birds, butterflies, and squirrels year-round.

Resilient value: Well-designed, climate-adapted properties tend to appreciate more over time, much like well-insulated homes in colder regions outperform poorly insulated ones.

Is there a cost to sustainability, and are buyers ready to pay for it?

Noémie: Yes — the cost is actually significant. Green roofs versus conventional roofs, low density versus high density, full water treatment versus standard sewage systems — all of this represents a substantial investment. In reality, sustainability is still often seen by many clients as simply the cherry on the cake.
Now, I can already hear you wonder: “So why do it?”. Actually, for the same reason you choose a reusable bottle over plastic, sort your waste, or bring your own grocery bag—it’s simply the right thing to do.

For our clients. For our legacy. For future generations. For biodiversity, landscapes, resources, and the quality of life that makes Huatulco so special.

ALMA aims to make architecture and sustainability inseparable. It is no coincidence that the project was recently awarded Best Sustainable Project in Mexico, and named Best Sustainable Project in the Americas, from Canada to Argentina, at the International Property Awards — one of the most respected distinctions in the industry.

All of us here found something extraordinary in Huatulco. We believe preserving it is a shared responsibility.

For more information: http://www.alma-huatulco.com

If you’ve missed the first chapter on ALMA, its architecture and finishes, you can scan and catch up here : https://theeyehuatulco.com/2025/11/30/inside-alma-craftsmanship-sustainability-and-signature-design/

San Miguel de Allende

The Rise of Perrhijos and Fashion for Pets

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By Ximena Collado—

Over the past few years, something interesting has happened in the world of pets. Dogs and cats have become a huge part of our families — and for many young adults, they’re basically our perrhijos. Because of this, the way we care for them has changed, and so has the way we express our love for them. Pet fashion has grown a lot, becoming a fun and personal way to show who we are through the pets we love.

Today, things like bandanas, leashes, and collars aren’t just simple accessories. They add personality, color, and identity to a dog’s everyday life. More and more people want meaningful pieces that feel special: well-made items, sustainable materials, and products created with intention. Pet fashion has become an extension of our lifestyle. A small accessory can say a lot about the bond we have with our pets and how important they are to us.

But while pet fashion keeps getting more popular, there’s another reality in Mexico that can’t be ignored. Millions of dogs live on the streets without food, protection, or medical care. Mexico has one of the largest stray dog populations in the world, and most of these dogs will never find a home. Rescue groups work incredibly hard, but adoption alone is not enough. Animal welfare experts agree that the only true long-term solution is mass sterilization. Sterilizing dogs is the most humane and effective way to reduce suffering and prevent new litters that continue the cycle.

For one of Amikoo’s founders, this issue became personal the day he and his girlfriend went to a local shelter to adopt a dog. When they arrived, they were shocked to find more than 100 dogs waiting for a home. The staff explained that most of those dogs would never be adopted. Among the hardest to place were big, black, male dogs — often overlooked because of their size, appearance, and stereotypes. Despite this, the couple chose exactly that: a large, black, male dog who immediately won their hearts. That experience stayed with them. It opened their eyes to the magnitude of the problem and planted the seed for what would later become Amikoo.

In the middle of this mix of love, concern, culture, and creativity, Amikoo was born — a brand that blends pet fashion with real purpose. Their products are beautiful, but what makes them special is the story behind them. Amikoo works closely with artisan women from Chiapas who create the textiles for their dog bandanas using telar de pedal, an ancestral weaving technique passed down for generations. This traditional process takes hours of careful work, resulting in unique pieces full of cultural meaning. By using telar de pedal, Amikoo helps preserve a technique that has been part of Mexico’s identity for centuries.

But Amikoo’s support doesn’t stop at paying fair wages. They also run health campaigns so the artisans can access medical checkups and basic care — something that is often difficult to get in their communities. This shows how committed the brand is to taking care of the people behind every product.

Amikoo also designs dog collars made with cactus-based vegan leather, an eco-friendly material created from the nopal cactus. It’s durable, soft, sustainable, and proudly Mexican. This material reflects Amikoo’s mission: to care for animals, support communities, and protect the environment.

Most importantly, Amikoo uses part of its funds to run sterilization campaigns for stray dogs, directly contributing to the only long-term solution experts believe can reduce the suffering of millions of animals on the streets. This gives every purchase real purpose and real impact.

Amikoo started with a simple but powerful goal: to help dogs and help people at the same time. Their work supports artisan families, protects cultural traditions, and funds sterilization efforts across Mexico. Every product supports these efforts and makes a real difference.

If you want to be part of their mission and bring a touch of color and meaning to your dog’s style, you can find Amikoo’s products on Amazon. Every purchase helps the artisans, the dogs, and the communities involved.
Shop Amikoo on Amazon: Click Here

 

Huatulco

From Pad to Product: The Rise of Cactus Leather

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By Ximena Collado

Have you heard of cactus “leather”? Cactus leather is an innovative, sustainable alternative to traditional leather—plant-based, low-impact, and 100% vegan. This unique material represents an exciting shift toward greener and more responsible products.

Mexico is home to over 3 million hectares of cultivated nopal cactus, making it one of the country’s most important and versatile crops. Beyond its culinary and cultural value, nopal is now proving to be a sustainable powerhouse in materials innovation. Cactus leather production uses up to 99.9% less water than animal leather—around 20 liters per square meter compared to 33,000 liters—and relies solely on rain-fed plants that thrive in arid conditions without pesticides or herbicides. The harvesting process is regenerative, allowing mature pads to be removed every few months without damaging the plant. What’s more, the leftover cactus pulp is repurposed, creating a zero-waste, circular system. With significantly lower carbon emissions and no toxic chemicals used in processing, cactus leather represents a meaningful shift toward more ethical and environmentally responsible alternatives.

The process of making cactus leather starts with harvesting mature pads from the prickly pear cactus without harming the plant. The pads are carefully cleaned and sun-dried for several days to remove moisture naturally. Once dried, they are ground into a fine powder and blended with bio-based resins and natural pigments to form a flexible, eco-friendly material. This mixture is then pressed onto a textile backing to create durable, leather-like sheets that are soft, breathable, and sustainable.

The result is a high-performance, partially biodegradable vegan material celebrated for its strength, elegance, and minimal environmental footprint.

One of the companies leading the way is Amikoo, which creates eco-conscious pet accessories crafted in Guanajuato. Amikoo offers collars and bandanas in a wide range of colors and sizes, blending contemporary design with a commitment to social impact. Their mission goes beyond sustainability: the company actively supports Mexican indigenous communities and promotes conscious, ethical production. Through their non-profit association, Xana Artesanías, Amikoo raises funds for vital initiatives, including health campaigns for indigenous women and sterilization programs for stray dogs in rural areas.

Want to make a difference with your next pet accessory? Treat your dog to a beautiful, eco-friendly collar or bandana by visiting http://www.ami-koo.com or finding Amikoo’s collection on Amazon. Every purchase supports sustainability and helps empower local communities.

Huatulco

From Sea to Market: The Fishing Industry in Huatulco

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By Randy Jackson

There is one foundational pillar of the economic prosperity of the Huatulco area on which everything rests: the sea. Its beauty, vastness, and potential for recreation are the central reasons for virtually all development here. Yet beneath its glittering surface, the sea is a living, breathing ecosystem – a source of sustenance, inspiration, and balance that has shaped the lives and cultures of people here for millennia. Among its many gifts, the fishing industry stands as both a testament to the sea’s generosity and a reminder of the delicate relationship between human activity and the natural world. A kind of reverence for the sea lies in seeking a deeper understanding of its ecosystem. To that end, I offer some information about the local features of this portion of the Pacific and the fishing industry that depends upon it.

Local Ocean Features

The continental shelf off the coast of Huatulco is relatively narrow, especially when compared to the much broader fishing grounds found further north. It extends about 5 to 10 nautical miles (9 to 18 kilometers) from the shore, whereas the shelf near Mazatlán can stretch as far as 80 to 100 kilometers. The steep drop-off at the edge of the shelf facilitates “upwelling,” a process where deeper, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, fostering abundant marine life. This abundance attracts larger fish, which feed on smaller species and create opportunities for local fishermen. The proximity of deep waters to the coast further benefits local fishermen, granting them easier access to rich fishing grounds.

Seasonal ocean currents significantly influence fishing near Huatulco. The Costa Rica Coastal Current, most active from November to May, brings nutrient-rich waters that enhance fish abundance during fishing seasons. In contrast, the North Equatorial Countercurrent introduces warmer, nutrient-poor waters from June to October, shifting species availability and fishing patterns. Other currents, while less direct, can also impact local conditions. Additionally, large-scale climate phenomena like El Niño, which warms ocean waters, and La Niña, which cools them, further amplify variability, adding unpredictability to fishing conditions for local fishermen.

Puerto Ángel is the primary fishing port in the region. Located approximately 60 km (37 miles) west of Huatulco, it lies near the western boundary of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. This area marks a transition between the open Pacific coast of Oaxaca and the waters of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The convergence of these two ocean ecosystems fosters rich biodiversity and supports highly productive fishing grounds.

Fishing Regulations

Mexico’s fishing industry is federally regulated. CONAPESCA (Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca) is the agency responsible for licensing, regulating, monitoring, and promoting aquaculture and the fishing industry. Overall, there are two general categories of fishing licenses: large and small vessels. Small vessels (less than 10 meters) dominate the local fishing industry near Huatulco. Although there are regulations that cover the smaller boats, there is virtually no enforcement of any regulations for these vessels on the Oaxacan Coast. CONAPESCA has one inspector to cover the contiguous coasts of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, a shoreline of about 1,400 kilometers. There is closer monitoring of the larger fishing vessels. However, only a small number of these vessels operate in Oaxacan waters, primarily commercial shrimp and shark boats operating out of Salina Cruz.

I could not determine the number of small fishing vessels operating in the Huatulco area. CONAPESCA reported 2,097 licensed smaller boats on the Oaxacan coast in 2023. However, there are significant numbers of unlicensed vessels, and subsistence fishing is allowed without a license. It is safe to say that most smaller vessels (pangas) fishing off the coast of Huatulco and more broadly in Oaxaca are not licensed and do not report their catch.

The Huatulco Fish Market

There is no central market for fish in Huatulco. Instead, small independent fishermen from various locations along the coast sell their catch directly or through intermediaries. Local buyers include small stores that sell both local and imported fish and seafood, as well as a variety of restaurants. While some stores and restaurants maintain direct relationships with individual fishermen, most transactions involve middlemen. These intermediaries are sometimes referred to as “coyotes,” a term that can carry a derogatory connotation but often does not reflect the services they provide. Middlemen act as ready cash buyers for fishermen. They also represent reliable suppliers for buyers by working with a diverse network of fishermen. Additionally, they sometimes offer loans to fishermen and credit to buyers, thus playing an important role in the local fishing economy.

The people selling fish from coolers along the street in La Crucecita are usually not fishermen. Like local street sellers of many things, these vendors are trying to make a living by buying fish from middlemen and reselling for a profit. This shouldn’t dissuade anyone from buying from these vendors as it supports their livelihood and can be a convenient way to buy fish and seafood.

Current Fishing Conditions

With the plethora of oceanic variables, it is difficult to determine why fishing in the Huatulco area is poor this year. The water, for whatever reason, is warmer, not favoring a productive fishery, particularly for dorado (mahi mahi) and tuna. Fishermen have been forced to go much farther from shore to try their luck, up to 20 – 30 kilometers, making fishing more expensive, time-consuming, and risky.

Sustainability Efforts

Despite the challenges of overfishing and lack of enforcement facing the local fishing industry, some efforts are being made towards the sustainability of the fishery. In some cases, a group of local fishermen have initiated actions to move from net to hook fishing and for fishermen to agree to restrict the catch of some species to a specific calendar period. The region’s extraordinary marine biodiversity highlights the importance of such efforts. Huatulco’s waters are part of a migration route for humpback whales, sea turtles, and other species, offering a reminder of the interconnectedness and abundance of marine life. These seasonal migrations and the area’s rich ecosystems highlight the need to balance human activity with conservation to ensure the sea’s enduring abundance.

 

Uncategorized

Fish farming in Mexico

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By Jan Chaiken and Marcia Chaiken

Given the thousands of kilometers of coastline and the great quantity of fresh lake water in Mexico, it is not surprising that before the Spanish arrived, indigenous people were heavily involved in ocean and inland fishing. It is notable however, that the pre-Hispanic residents also engaged in farming of fish. For example, the extensive inland lake that once surrounded the Aztec capital (now Mexico City) was used to farm fish at that time. Today Lake Texcoco has mostly vanished, along with the pre-Hispanic fish farms.

The 16th-century Spanish conquistadores forbade the indigenous population to fish or raise fish for their own use, as they were trying to develop this market for European consumption. Although fishing as an individual occupation was gradually reintroduced in Mexico and later commercial fishing became a major industry, it was not until the 1970s that any perceptible amount of aquaculture re-appeared.

The term aquaculture (in Spanish acuacultura or acuicultura) refers to the rearing of aquatic animals and cultivating aquatic species for food, including not only fish but also crustaceans, mollusks, and seaweed. Fish and other aquaculture products are raised in floating tanks through which lake or ocean water flows naturally, and are fed controlled diets. The practice of aquaculture was in part prompted by potential financial reward, but also by environmental concerns. A controversial aspect of marine fishing is called “by-catch” – the unavoidable capture in fishing nets of animals and plants that are not used for human consumption. By-catch is not only fiscally wasteful but is responsible for wreaking havoc on marine environments. Aquaculture, on the contrary, results in close to 100% of production being sold for food or other uses. Eighty percent of aquaculture products are used for human consumption.

Mexico now ranks around 23rd in the world in the annual production of its aquaculture economic sector. Most countries ranking higher than Mexico are in Asia, especially island nations with extensive coastlines. Mexico ranks higher in annual aquaculture production than, for example, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, New Zealand, Peru, and Australia.

Mexico’s lengthy coastline is a competitive advantage in two ways: first, tanks for commercial growing of marine animals are located close to shore in the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California, and the Gulf of Mexico; and, second, ports on the coast provide easy access for delivery of harvested product to the interior of Mexico or for export to the Americas and Asia. Mexico experienced an increase in aquaculture of 27% from 1986 (the first year statistics were collected) to 2010 but then suffered a three-year sharp decline because of a widespread virus infection in the types of food that are fed to fish.

In recent years the growth of aquaculture has exceeded its earlier vigor in Mexico, with a 34% increase in five years. Currently Mexico is one of only five countries showing sustained growth of inland aquaculture. Baja California and the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, and Veracruz are the most important locations for offshore marine aquaculture in Mexico. Inland aquaculture (primarily trout) is found mainly in Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, and Tamaulipas.

The aquaculture companies pride themselves on crecimiento azul, which is the watery version of a “green economy,” namely one that is sustainable, resource efficient, and environmentally sound. Around the world, the proportion of naturally occurring wild fish stocks that are biologically sustainable decreased from 90% in 1974 to under two-thirds in recent years, which means that a third of the seafood produced by commercial fisheries comes from fishing locations that will not survive into the future. By contrast, seafood purchased from aquaculture will continue to be available or increase over time. Aquaculture also provides safe, well-paying jobs and is a boost to the local economy wherever it is installed.

The main types of seafood produced by aquaculture in Mexico are mojarra (the species varies, most likely a bream or tilapia), oysters, huachinango (red snapper), trout, and tilapia, with lesser amounts of camarón (shrimp), abalone, and tuna. (Worldwide, the most important aquacultural product is tilapia.) Shrimp account for under 10% of Mexico’s aquaculture production, but the amount of shrimp production is increasing rapidly from year to year.

There is a debate about whether farmed fish are as nutritious and as tasty as fish that are wild. The commercial fisheries would have you believe that farmed fish are full of toxins and dangerous. The actual answer is based on local aquaculture practices. Farms that frequently test their water and fish food to be sure there is no toxic contamination are likely to produce wholesome fish and seafood. That is one reason fish farms are not promoted as tourist attractions and are off-limits for water sports – the companies want to avoid pollution. The only visitors likely to be found at a fish farm are scientists, technical consultants, potential investors, government inspectors, and participants in conferences of aquaculture organizations.

In addition, by being raised on feed that is high in omega oils, farmed fish actually are more likely to promote good health in humans than are wild-caught fish. But what about the taste? We have friends who swear they can distinguish farmed fish from wild fish by the taste. However, judging by the way they snarf down fish they do not know were farmed, we have our doubts.

For more information, check out the website of the Mexican government agency that supports aquaculture (among other things) – the Center for Studies in Sustainable Rural Development and Food Sovereignty (Centro de Estudios para el Desarollo Rural Sustentable y la Soberania Alimentaria, http://www.cedrssa.gob.mx). And ¡buen provecho!