University of Rhode Island/Universidad de Quintana Roo
Country:
Mexico
Award Date:
2000
Award Amount:
$99,984.00
Cost Share:
$39,622.00
Other Partners:
Mexico Federal Environmental Protection Agency; State Department of Environment; Orton P. Blanco Municipal Planning Agency; State Association of Biologists and Engineers; Hotel Association of Quintana Roo; Amigos de Sian Ka’an
This partnership established a center for geographic information system (GIS) data and technical expertise to improve environmental management on the Yucatán Peninsula. The Center is housed within the Universidad de Quintana Roo’s science department and is well positioned to assist local and federal government officials in adopting environmentally sound management plans. It is a key technical information and training site in the promotion of GIS applications for economic development and environmental protection, spatial data modeling, ecological mapping, and data integration for environmental applications. The partners also created a regional GIS coordinating body (SIGPY) comprised of active GIS users and representatives from NGOs and research organizations. SIGPY’s primary responsibilities include adopting standards for data development, coordinating the construction base map data, identifying future development priorities, and distributing geospatial information via the Internet.