Ing. Hugo Quintero Maldonado, President of the Board of Directors of Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Horacio Cabrera Santiago, as Executive Director of Eco-Alianza, commencing August 1, 2010.

Eco-Alianza de Loreto, a Mexican non-profit conservation organization, was founded on November 24, 2007, by the citizens of the Municipality of Loreto in response to several large-scale urban developments planned for the surrounding areas of the Municipality, and their deep regard for the ecological, social and economic impact that this development may have upon the region in the years to come.  Eco-Alianza members believe that properly planned development is beneficial and that an opportunity exists to assemble a broad coalition of concerned citizens to influence the implementation of sustainable processes that will provide protection for a natural treasure that is Loreto, Baja California Sur, a World Heritage site and National Marine Park rich in marine life with desert flora and fauna to cherish and protect for the generations to come.

As Executive Director, Horacio Cabrera will implement the Eco-Alianza mission to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems to promote sustainable, healthy communities for the benefit of the flora, fauna and residents of the greater Loreto region.  Horacio will direct the strategic planning, organization, programs, and coordinate and supervise the association’s technical, scientific, administrative and management activities.

Horacio comes to Eco-Alianza with a broad experience in the management and conservation of natural resources.  Horacio studied Ecological Engineering in the CESUES, Centro de Estudios Superiores del Estado de Sonora.  He also has a Masters Degree in the Use, Management and Conservation of Natural Resources, and is currently a Doctor of Science Candidate within Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste S.C. (CIBNOR).  Prior to joining to Eco-Alianza,  Horacio served as technical advisor certified by Comision Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR), and was providing his services as consultancy in wildlife management at many environmental management units (UMAs).  He has a broad experience in the field of conservation, participating in various scientific research projects in Northwestern Mexico including the Gulf of California and its Islands, with institutions such CIBNOR SC and CIAD AC, under the direction of nationally recognized researchers.  Also, he has participated in the monitoring of flora and fauna projects, as well as in marine mammals studies.  During 2000-2003, Horacio served as manager of ecology and environmental department of the Empalme Municipality, in Sonora State, where he gained experience in the administrative matters of environmental inspection and  vigilance,  evaluation of environmental impacts,  waste management and environmental education.   Early in his education and career, Horacio participated in the Minority International Research Training of the University of California Santa Cruz – CIAD as fellow responsible for the project “List of flora, fauna and uses of the islands of San Francisco Bay, Guaymas, Sonora”.

Horacio is now in the process of undertaking the move to Loreto with his wife, C. Gabriela Suarez Gracida, who has the same educational profile, and  their son of one year and eight months, whose name is Neo Aristeo Cabrera.  The family move will be completed after the birth a second son in late August, 2010.