Lilia Lizama is an archaeologist with a master degree in Anthropological Sciences specializing in Archaeology. She is the
founder and General Director of EMCSA, a Cultural Resource Management organization working towards convincing the Mexican
government to allow a much needed contract archaeology industry. As part of that work, Lilia has participated in multiple
archaeological projects with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). At present, she
leads the Project of Registration and Diagnosis of cultural and archaeological places in the states of Yucatan and Quintana
Roo, Mexico, which was recognized in March of 2004 by the Interamerican Development Bank as one of the eight best projects
of Latin America and the Caribbean. This project promotes the protection of cultural heritage, creates jobs, and trains
indigenous communities in strategies of self sustainable cultural development.
A champion of cultural preservation, Lilia has created workshops for children and the awareness-raising of cultural heritage
in the community of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo. She has gives lectures in the Mexico and abroad about responsible
archaeological practices and the protection of cultural heritage. She has obtained local, state, national, foreign and
private scholarships for her work and continuing education. As part of her quest to protect the cultural heritage of the
Yucatan, Lilia represents the Fundaci�n sin Fronteras Civil Association of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo in planning meetings
with the Technical Committee of the Ecological Development of the Riviera Maya. Her proposals to the committee include a new
system of registration for archaeological sites and a requirement that cultural resource management studies be conducted prior
to any land development projects.
Most recently, Lilia has been the director of two preservation projects, one with the National Commission for the Development
of Native Pueblos and the Program of Cultural Development of the Interamerican Development Bank. Both of those programs focus
on Puerto Morelos and surrounding communities with the goals of preserving the area's cultural heritage and protecting its
people's social rights. The tourism industry is inevitably changing Puerto Morelos, but Lilia is working to make sure it does
so with respect for both its people and environment.
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