Overview
The 2019 symposium, held at the Instituto Tecnológico de Cancún, marked a key moment in consolidating regional collaboration on heritage governance. Building on the discussions from Puerto Morelos 2017, this workshop brought together scholars, government officials, and community leaders to explore how legal, technological, and social frameworks can strengthen the discipline of archaeology across the Maya region.
Over three days, participants in the Mesa de Legalidad examined how to translate academic research and field experience into effective public policy — from legal instruments for site protection to innovative models such as the Administradoras Arqueológicas Integrales (AAI) and the emerging concept of Arqueólogos sin Fronteras del Mundo Maya. The event emphasized dialogue, mutual learning, and the importance of co-designing a sustainable and inclusive approach to cultural heritage management.
Main Discussion Topics
Legal Framework for Archaeological Heritage
Dr. Iván Batún and Dra. Lilia Lizama presented the Propuesta de Coadyuvancia, outlining the role of the state, existing challenges, and proposed reforms. They examined regulatory criteria for defining biocultural polygons and the feasibility of applying these standards through interinstitutional cooperation.Integrated Archaeological Administrators (AAI Model)
Ing. Laureano González introduced the Administradoras Arqueológicas Integrales (AAI) model as a mechanism to strengthen heritage management through public-private collaboration. Discussions focused on the model’s logic, viability, and scalability across regional projects.Ethics and Standardization in Archaeology
Dr. Iván Batún proposed the creation of a standardized ethical code and system of criteria for archaeological practice, highlighting respect for professional trajectories and collective responsibility. Participants discussed timelines and implementation strategies.Normativity and Biocultural Heritage (Cenotes)
Dras. Yameli Aguilar and Lilia Lizama explored local, state, and federal legislation concerning cenotes, emphasizing the need to harmonize definitions and protection criteria between Yucatán and Quintana Roo.Legal Framework for “Arqueólogos sin Fronteras del Mundo Maya”
In a joint session moderated by Dr. Elisa Guillén, Dra. Anabel Ford, Ing. Laureano González, Dr. Iván Batún, Dra. Yameli Aguilar, and Dra. Lilia Lizama, participants developed a preliminary legal framework for establishing Arqueólogos sin Fronteras del Mundo Maya as a cooperative international body.International Perspectives on Heritage Policy
Mtro. Christian Alpuche, Mtro. Alfonso Pech, Dr. Ryan Rowberry, Dra. Margaret Spivey, and Dr. Enrique Álvarezcontributed comparative insights on OCDE and OAS standards, Native American legal frameworks, and the integration of open-source technologies such as Arches for mapping biocultural heritage.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Strong multidisciplinary leadership and recurring participation from prior symposiums.
Emerging consensus on collaborative legal frameworks (AAI model, municipal councils).
Engagement from international experts (OCDE, OAS) providing comparative insights.
Weaknesses
Inconsistent application of archaeological laws between federal and local governments.
Limited financial resources for implementing legal reforms.
Bureaucratic barriers that slow institutional coordination.
Opportunities
Creation of municipal and state heritage councils for localized governance.
Integration of smart technologies (Arches software) for mapping biocultural areas.
Expansion of partnerships with universities, NGOs, and policymakers.
Threats
Urban expansion and commercial development near archaeological zones.
Political turnover disrupting continuity of legal initiatives.
Community disengagement due to complex legal language and accessibility issues.