2nd East Cape Futures Forum

The 2nd East Cape Futures Forum was held in the East Cape of Baja California, Mexico. This 2-day event focused on the theme ‘Transitioning into a regenerative and resilient region’ and brought together over 200 attendees, including government officials, developers, architects, water conservationists, marine biologists, ranchers, and investors, to explore how to better develop wellness destinations through regenerative systems and watershed management.

Two of the key wellness presenters were leaders of the world’s most regenerative properties, located in Mexico: Sarah Livia Brightwood, President of Rancho La Puerta, in Tecate, Baja California Norte and David Levanthal, Founder of Playa Viva and Regenerative Travel, located south of Zihuatanejo, on the Pacific Coast of Guerrero.

Another inspiring speaker was Stephanie Brendl, Executive Director of SIERRA A MAR, an initiative focused on regenerating a 62-mile (100 KM) area of Costa Alegre in Jalisco. Xala, one of the properties in this area, will be part of Six Senses and has the involvement of actor and activist Richard Gere.

The key takeaways from these presenters were the shared responsibility to:
• Protect and improve the ecosystems and communities
• Promote and create biodiversity
• Establish a foundation for social impact through education
• Use cleaner energy, water, and wastewater systems
• Create transformational wellness experiences
• Create a living legacy

One of the key messages is that the wellness industry speaks about sustainability when it should be looking at a regenerative, more holistic approach. Spas and wellness resorts do not ‘sustain’ their guests; they rejuvenate them and improve their sense of well-being, and so the communities and ecosystems around these properties should also be regenerated.
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