Article originally posted on Mansion Global.

Some luxury projects are hiring a staff of scientists and natural resource experts in a commitment to the environment that goes beyond lip service

When Mario Ramirez purchased a vacation home at Mayakoba, a luxury resort and residential community on the Riviera Maya in Mexico last year, part of his motivation was the developer’s commitment to conservation.

“The sustainability and environmental programs probably influenced my decision to buy at Mayakoba too much,” said Ramirez, a business owner and engineer from Queretaro, Mexico, who’s traveled to Mayakoba annually since 2007.

“I’ve been working in animal nutrition for the last 40 years, with the last two in biotech solutions using natural technology to solve the pollution problems of the food industry,” he said. “I’m a strong believer in the natural circular economy to return to the earth what is from the earth, creating natural wealth.”

Since the 600-acre Mayakoba community opened in 2006, the resort’s Environmental Resource Management programs have helped the wildlife population increase from 120 species to more than 330 species; more than 2,000 coral colonies have been transplanted in the ocean; and 1,656 turtles have been hatched and released, according to the developer. The Mexican resort is just one example of a growing number of luxury residential developments taking on conservation and environmental restoration in many locations.

“Our intention as developers is to demonstrate the value of preserving nature, which is important for our moral compass,” said Kappner Clark, chief marketing officer of RLH Properties, developer of Mayakoba.

For instance, Mayakoba has a 133-acre mangrove conservation area that’s home to 173 animal species, said Hugo Rivas, lead biologist and one of 10 full-time staff members devoted to the environmental resource programs at the resort.

“A lagoon system was constructed, creating a new habitat that didn’t exist in the area before,” Rivas said. This aquatic habitat consists of a network of interconnected freshwater lagoons and channels linked underground to the sea, covering 92 acres.”

A 4-mile nature trail in the community includes signs that provide the names of flora and fauna in the resort, Clark said.

“The minute you open a door you can hear the chirping of some of the more than 100 bird species here and you can see monkeys, deer and other animals when you walk or bike around the community,” Clark said. “Residents and visitors can take guided tours daily on electric boats along the canals or they can kayak to see baby crocodiles.”

Clark estimates that RLH Properties has invested millions in its conservation programs and partners with local government agencies, nonprofits and universities on research projects.

“The implementation of these programs is crucial to minimize interaction between animals and residents, allowing each to inhabit their respective spaces,” said Rivas. “Proper management of the habitats—jungle, mangrove, aquatic, sea, dune and beach—utilized by animals is essential, as it is in these areas that animals obtain their food resources and find sites for sleeping, shelter, rest, etc.”

A variety of homes are available within the resort, with villas priced from $4.9 million in the Rosewood Residences Mayakoba and condos in the Fairmont Residences Mayakoba priced from $2.19 million and up. Co-ownership options are also available.