by Justin Gray
Since 1961, Isla Contoy has been protected by the Mexican Government and is known as a Bird Sanctuary with over 150 tropical bird species. In February of 1998, Isla Contoy was declared a National Park. Now you're probably asking, "Where is Isla Contoy?".
Where & What is Isla Contoy?
Isla Contoy is a small island inside of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and is located a little over 20 miles NE from Cancun in the the Gulf of Mexico. The island is only 5.2 miles in length and has an area of just under 2 square miles and is experiencing a limited-access eco-tourism boom.
Eco-Tourism is defined as: "tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife." - which is precisely what Isla Contoy is. With a strict limit of only 200 visitors permitted to enter the island per day, Isla Contoy is never crowded - and that is precisely the point.
Sustainable & Green Initiatives
Isla Contoy's policy and philosophy are to preserve the island while maintaining strict green and sustainable initiatives. Part of those green & sustainable initiatives are for low-impact and renewable energy in the form of Solar Lighting.
Where do we fit in?
Our LatAm (Latin America) office was contacted by the Park Director of Isla Contoy, María del Carmen García Rivas, seeking efficient solar lighting to illuminate common pedestrian areas of the park.
The goal was to have a wireless light that provided enough illumination to be effective, but wasn't creating light pollution around the Isla; our lights proved to be perfect as they feature a motion sensor that allows them to illuminate at full brightness when someone is passing by, but reduces light output once motion has ceased. The Director was excited to see how our lights operated, and we donated 5 units to be placed around the Isla in those important areas.
Why are we involved?
Wagan Corp has had a long-standing relationship with communities around the world; from Haiti, to Mexico, Africa, and beyond. You may have heard us say it before, but it is something worth repeating: Our mission is to use the company as a vessel to help others - this isn't just something we say, it is something we do. While this project does not have a direct impact on enhancing human lives, it is no less important to us as it affects the overall health and ecosystem of the planet.
What Wagan Tech lights are they using on Isla Contoy?
We took a look at the Isla's needs based upon the Director's request, and our 3000 Lumen Solar LED Floodlight was selected for its exceptional brightness and the shape of the unit. As you can see in the image below, the light fits perfectly in its surroundings.
| Click here to see the full image gallery |
Links:
• Isla Contoy
• Wagan Solar Lighting (All)
