The Henequen Haciendas were subjects of complex disputes over ownership. Over time, they were broken up and gradually abandoned, leaving many of the families of the hacienda communities who depended for so many years on the "green gold" economy, without work. The result was a high rate of unemployment leaving the following generations without a chance for a better future in the rural area of the Yucatan.

One of the most note-worthy aspects around the reconstruction and opening of the Haciendas as hotels was the social implications of hiring and training of local workers, first in the construction work and later on in hotel positions. These were permanent positions offering better conditions than other employment in the area and gave concrete opportunities for advancement for the inhabitants. Currently 90% of the employees working at the Hacienda San Jose are inhabitants from the villages nearby like Calcalchen, Euan and Tixkokob.

The revitalization of the Hacienda has also resulted in the development of a series of social projects. The main purpose of these projects was to create new activities for the local inhabitants that for different reasons were not able to work in the hotel. These projects were primarily focused on the rich cultural traditions that can still be found in most of the Mayan communities in the peninsula such as handicrafts and other manual arts.

The inhabitants of the villages who volunteered to participate in the project were not only trained in producing goods but were encouraged to use regional natural elements and traditional methods. They also received support with the construction of workshops from the foundation that started the project. The majority of their produce is purchased by the Hacienda for different purposes such as turn down gifts, amenities for the bathroom and items to sell to guests in the Hacienda store.

Another very important initiative completed early in 2004 was the employment and training of local inhabitants to become therapists and offer their services at the Hacienda San Jose, several of them with ancestors who were authentic Mayan "sobadoras" or "bone healers". Again, this was a way of creating opportunities for locals, especially women, who would never have had the chance to do this type of work and earn a living.

The foundation that today is responsible for the coordination, financing and supervision of all the social projects is called "Fundacion Haciendas del Mundo Maya".

For more information visit: www.haciendasmundomaya.com