SUSTAINABILITY AND A COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT IS PRIORITY FOR THE DEVELOPERS OF ISLAS DEL MAR:

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER LEADS WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAMS

SONORA, MEXICO "Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better," Albert Einstein. Taking their lead perhaps from Einstein, ADLANTO, the asset land management company developing Islas del Mar, a Master Planned Community in Puerto Peasco, demonstrates how significantly they view this responsibility by creating an Office of Environmental Management. Directing the effort is Tonatiuh Carrillo Lammens, a marine biologist and conservationist from southern California.

Lammens, who obtained his bachelor's degree in marine biology and masters in aquaculture from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, has initiated programs at Islas Del Mar that lead the way for water conservation and wildlife maintenance. Of note is the emphasis his office gave to the expansive shoreline and beaches. Lammens was the driving force that ensured necessary steps were implemented to earn a "Clean and Sustainable Beach Certificate." The granting of this certification is arduous but was recently awarded by the Mexican Institute for Normalization and Certification (Instituto Mexicano de Normalizacin y Certificacin, A.C), the only authorized entity that can give this certification in Mexico. Now, the 2,302 meters of beach is the longest recreational/certified beach in Mexico. With this accomplishment, visitors enjoy a clean beach that discreetly ensures environmentally friendly measures are followed day after day.

According to Lammens, "Sustainability and respect for nature are institutional values at Islas del Mar. We will support sustainable advancements and actions that can help achieve a better balance with nature."

To maintain uncontaminated wetlands and beaches, a permanent cleaning program is in effect that includes the ban of motor-powered equipment in the lagoon, while alternative energy vehicles are the official vehicles at the beaches. Residents (including four-legged) and guests are part of the process, too. All are asked to adhere to the beach and lagoon rules that protect and guarantee respect for the natural environs. Pet waste modules have been installed in strategic locations throughout the development to allow for recycling.

Additionally, Lammens has overseen the construction of facilities that provide infrastructure to treat and reuse all wastewater, saving water and irrigating its Jack Nicholas Signature golf course along with other green areas. This infrastructure has been designed to evolve along with the project (which is scheduled for completion in ten years.)

Lammens' team also is focused on maintaining biodiversity within the community, as Mexico is one of the few countries in the world with mega-biodiversity. "Biodiversity and environmental wellbeing are not only a responsibility but an added value to our project," he said.

Rich in natural resources, Mexico has the highest number of reptile species, is second in mammalian diversity, and ranks fourth for amphibians and plant species, and has a thriving environment to create infrastructure that cares for and considers the future of the land use. As a result, the team was tasked with creating solutions: nesting infrastructures for Osprey were established, indigenous animals were safely and respectfully relocated, and flora and fauna (when essential) transplanted while the project evolved.

"Our goal today and for the life of this master-planned community is to minimize our environmental footprint," Lammens said. While caring for the natural environs is a priority for the developers, Lammens has taken steps to ensure that processes in place today continue. An environmental education program that promotes sustainable practices in personnel, vendors, and clients will help preserve the natural environment for years to come. In addition, the Islas del Mar project complies with and exceeds all official requirements mandated by Mexico's primary federal environmental agency, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries (SEMARNAP). This includes monitoring seawater quality to assure safe parameters for beach users, filtering drinking water to achieve the best quality possible, and ensuring that the water treatment plant complies with all government norms.

Lammens next goal? To renew its Touristic Environmental Quality Certificate with SEMARNAP. "The processes are in place, and we are ready to begin the application," he confirmed.

Prior to working with Islas Del Mar, he spent time as the Academic Director at the Technological University of the Sea of Tamaulipas Bicentenary where he helped design and implement the aquaculture curriculum.

Created as a "living sanctuary," the master-planned community of Islas Del Mar will encompass 290 hectares (more than six hundred acres), featuring a full-service hotel, resort residences and privately-owned condos/townhomes. Wooden docks will allow owners and visitors alike to enjoy the internal navigable lagoons. Amenities include a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course (nine holes are complete; an additional nine-holes expected in 2024, an impressive beach and lagoon club, sports complex, and wellness spa. A retail boardwalk will connect the different components throughout the development with high-end shops and restaurants.

Photographs of the development are available here: https://islasdelmar.com/master-plan/ https://islasdelmar.com/gallery/ and https://www.eaglevillage.mx/news/

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