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Mexico City, November 6, 2006 — “This new consulate represents our continued commitment to the residents and Americans citizens in this beautiful region,” said U.S. Ambassador Antonio O. Garza, Jr. during a visit to Merida to inaugurate the new U.S. Consulate. The new facility, located at Calle 60 No. 338 K x 29 y 31 in Colonia Alcalá Martín (Tel. 999-942-5700), will provide improved services to the consular district. “We now have a beautiful building that is secure and able to support the important work of the U.S. Government here in Merida,” said the Ambassador while touring the new offices.
Ambassador Garza also traveled to Playa del Carmen to join the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo Lic. Félix A. González Canto and witness the signing of two Letters of Collaboration. One, between the Quintana Roo Water Utility (CAPA) and the Embassy’s U.S. Agency for International Development, will develop a U.S. government-funded project to improve municipal water treatment. The agreement will promote water and energy efficiency and will provide improved potable water services to communities. The second agreement is with the Quintana Roo Secretariat of Tourism (SEDETUR) and promotes cooperation on environmental protection projects throughout the region.
“Cancun is one of the top tourism destinations in Mexico, but with its rapid expansion has come increased population growth and pressure on water resources and basic services, such as garbage collection and sewage treatment,” said the Ambassador. He added, “The second largest coral reef system in the world lies just off Cancun and protecting this natural wonder from pollution is an investment in the continued success of Mexico’s tourism industry.”
Ambassador Garza also presented an award to the Hotel Viva Windham Azteca as the first Mexican hotel to obtain the internationally recognized Green Globe Certification for reducing environmental impacts. The Viva Azteca worked with the U.S. government-funded Hotel Certification Program to comply with the rigorous international standards. “By achieving Green Globe Certification, the Viva Azteca is a model for private enterprises becoming environmentally responsible. In an increasingly competitive global tourist industry, private sector–government partnerships provide a powerful combination to protect the vulnerable water resources of this region,” said the Ambassador.
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