World Aquaculture 2021

May 24 - 27, 2022

Mérida, Mexico

SOCIAL CHALLENGES AND RESISTANCE TO CHANGE OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE NORTHERN ZONE OF CHIAPAS AND HOW THE INDUSTRY (AQUACULTURE) HAS DEVELOPED THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Daniel Gordillo, Emily McGregor * Cameron MacLean.

 

Camino Ejidal km 1.5 S/N

Ejido Bajo Amacohite, Ostuacán, Chiapas.

México, CP. 29550

daniel.gordillo@regalsprings.com

 



Chiapas is the poorest state in the country, it is characterized by having an infinity of social problems in all its regions, but it is also rich in cultural aspects, nature, climates, water and more; this being one of the reasons why the Regal Springs group decided to start operations 12 years ago, having the potential to be the main producer of tilapia at the national level, and even in LATAM.

The initial strategy was to identify the main interest groups around the municipalities where we operate (Ostuacán and Mezcalapa), identify the primary needs, and later create dialogue committees with the communities, fishing cooperatives and key stakeholders. At Regal Springs, we also work with all stakeholders in this way so that our operations and the tilapia we produce meet regulatory, sustainability, customer requirements and consumer expectations.

In 2018 Regal Springs WE CARE program was born, it aims to produce Naturally Better Tilapia by putting consumer needs first and without compromising sustainability. It is a commitment that is good for the consumer and the communities and economies in the countries in which we operate, while respecting the environment and natural resources. Our Regal Springs WE CARE Integrated Sustainability Program covers three sustainable development pillars: Environment, Social and Economic.

Annually our programs benefit more than 60,000 of Mexicans, we have got the Socially Responsible Company Distinctive, which is granted by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI), the most important in social issues in LATAM.

We still have some challenges on the environmental, social and cultural side, we mitigate with our 5 CUIDAMOS pillars: education, health, reforestation, lakes & water and infrastructure.