Overview
The 5th Workshop of Archaeologists Without Borders of the Maya World — “Towards a Sustainable Model of Archaeological Heritage Management in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico” — was held in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on May 25–26, 2023.
This international gathering brought together archaeologists, anthropologists, educators, legal scholars, and community leaders to explore sustainable approaches to managing and preserving archaeological heritage across the Maya region. Building on prior symposia, the workshop focused on four thematic axes: environmental and biocultural conservation, sustainable tourism, site management and planning, and the proposal of a new legal framework for Sustainable Archaeological Sites and the Integral Archaeological Administrator (AAI).
Main Topics
The 5th Workshop of Archaeologists Without Borders of the Maya World — “Towards a Sustainable Model of Archaeological Heritage Management in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico” — convened leading researchers, practitioners, and community partners to shape a forward-looking vision for sustainable heritage administration.
Discussions and presentations were structured around four main thematic axes, each led by distinguished scholars and professionals:
Environmental Conservation and Biocultural Research
Dr. Lucía Sánchez de Bustamante and Dr. Pedro Ángeles (UNAM) opened the workshop with reflections on archaeological documentation and conservation practices. Their presentations explored how standardized information systems can safeguard both the material and intangible dimensions of heritage.Archaeology and Sustainable Tourism
Dr. Elena María Pérez González (Universidad Europea de Canarias), Cecilia del Socorro Medina Martínez(Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo), and Dr. Rodrigo Esparza López (El Colegio de Michoacán) examined case studies including the Guachimontones site and the Caste War Route, highlighting how responsible tourism and cultural park models can empower local communities.Site Management and Planning
Dr. Lilia Lizama, Dr. Kennedy Magio, and Dr. Iván Batún presented frameworks for Master Plans integrating site carrying capacity, interpretation centers, buffer zones, and participatory governance. Their model emphasizes inclusivity and strategic planning grounded in local realities, aligning with SDG principles.Legal and Institutional Frameworks
Dr. Israel Herrera (Universidad Autónoma de Campeche), Dr. Claire Smith (Flinders University, Australia), and Dr. Lilia Lizama proposed a Law on Sustainable Archaeological Sites and the establishment of an Integral Archaeological Administrator (AAI) to formalize ethical and sustainable management standards within the Maya region.
Additional contributions by Dr. Fernando Enseñat (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán), Mariza Carrillo Góngora(Universidad Intercultural de Campeche), and Dr. Ryan Rowberry (Georgia State University College of Law) expanded the conversation to visitor-impact modeling, community heritage reconstruction, and cross-border academic collaboration between Mexico and the United States.
Together, these presentations underscored the need to connect archaeological practice with community participation, environmental stewardship, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — ensuring that Maya heritage continues to thrive as a shared legacy of knowledge and sustainability.
Outcomes
The 5th Workshop of Archaeologists Without Borders of the Maya World advanced key initiatives for sustainable heritage management:
Master Plan Model – Framework for community-based site management (Lizama, Magio, Batún).
Legal Proposal – Draft Law on Sustainable Archaeological Sites and Integral Archaeological Administrator (AAI)(Herrera, Smith, Lizama).
Community Projects – Heritage conservation in Tahcabo and Tiholop (Batún, Carrillo).
Digital Heritage – ZYANYA Virtual Museum and cross-border education partnerships (Martínez, Rowberry).
These outcomes strengthen collaboration between research, policy, and local communities in the Maya region.