Soundings Newsletter

TRANSFORMING REGIONAL PLANNING THROUGH RESEARCH AND SCIENCE Eco-Alianza and CEMA (Research Center for Environmental Studies), our newest initiative, are proud to share updates on our activities and near-future plans. Thanks again to all our donors for their generous support which makes progress in protecting and enhancing the local and regional environment possible. Our goals continue to include projects that safeguard natural resources, improve local livelihoods/commerce through sustainable social and economic alternatives, and advance regional science education. Advance Regional Science Education Environmental Education has always been at the core of Eco-Alianza’s initiatives. We believe that to teach children is to train the next generation of environmental leaders, thus furthering a sustainable society. Our experience is [...]

Thanks to the generous donors and supporters over our 15-year history, Eco-Alianza has focused its energies and resources on making a difference in the lives and community of Loreto and surrounding areas of Baja California Sur. With an initial aim of providing and expanding Environmental Education, our strategy has evolved to support additional core programs in areas of Watershed Conservation, Sustainable Fisheries, Resource Management, and alternative Livelihoods.

Our mission is to create healthy and vibrant communities by empowering civil society and government to protect and conserve our natural and cultural environment. We can achieve these through our formal partnerships between Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, Channel Islands National Park and the University of California Natural Reserve System.

The Board of Directors of Eco-Alianza proudly announces the election of L.C.P. Carlos David Posadas Solano as our new Executive Director. For several years, Carlos has served on both our Advisory Board and as a member of our Board of Directors. We look forward to the application of his enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to our mission of environmental education and protections for Loreto and its surroundings.

Eco-Alianza de Loreto proudly announces the selection of Sula Vanderplank, Ph.D, as Executive Director of the newly established CEMA, Centro de Estudios del Medio Ambiente, a planned international field station for research, conservation and public service, based in Loreto, Baja California Sur. Sula brings her broad background in conservation-science projects focused on coastal systems to bear upon this exciting project. CEMA, is an international partnership begun six years ago with the University of California. Born from Sister Park initiative in collaboration with the Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California, which resulted in an international treaty signed by the United States and Mexico, CEMA is unique in its mission.

At the end of October this year, the first permanent GPS station was installed in Loreto.  Permanent, geodetic-grade GPS is a quantum leap beyond the GPS device you take hiking or operating inside your smartphone.  “Geodesy” refers to high-precision measurements of the surface of the earth, changes in the land surface, and precise positioning or navigation.  Geodetic GPS equipment can measure locations hundreds of times more accurately than hand-held GPS equipment, providing the levels of precision needed for most scientific and many commercial applications.  Permanent GPS receivers operate at a fixed location, taking measurements constantly, and providing a base station for any other GPS surveying or measurement in the region.

Eco-Alianza's 2020 and early 2021 programs and events posed unique challenges for all of us on how to connect with family and friends. We sincerely miss seeing many of you in person.

On April 24, Eco-Alianza hosted the Third Annual “One Ocean Film Festival” on the elegant grounds of Rancho El Jaral overlooking the beautiful Gulf of California and Parque Nacional Bahía de Lore, our very special place on Earth we all work to conserve and protect. More than 125 supporters enjoyed an outdoor program of nature-related films and presentations after an enjoyable social time and delicious meal served by culinary sponsor, Hotel La Misión Loreto. While following all COVID safety protocols, participants at the fundraising event enjoyed mingling in an outdoor setting. As a result of the generosity of Eco-Alianza’s supporters, attending or absent, sufficient funds were raised to support Environmental Education programs for 2021.

One Ocean Film Festival Earmarked to Support Environmental Education - April 24, 2021 After a year that felt like “everything on hold,” we are happy to announce a resumption of our annual One Ocean Film Festival. Due to ongoing challenges with COVID restrictions, we are changing the venue this year and shortening the duration. Originially scheduled for March of last year, Eco-Alianza's third One Ocean Film Festival is now slated as a one-evening event honoring Earth Day, to take place Saturday, April 24. Proceeds from the event will be earmarked specifically to support Eco-Alianza's expanding environmental education programs (more details below). This year's event will be held outdoors, under the stars, on the lovely private grounds of Rancho El Jaral. [...]