Welcoming our new Board President,
Dr. Jorge Salinas Palma
“Destiny” is the word Dr. Jorge Salinas Palma uses when he explains how he ended up in Loreto.
Born in Chihuahua and raised mostly in Puebla, Dr. Salinas always felt pulled toward medicine—partly inspired by his father’s work in the pharmaceutical field, and partly by a childhood certainty that he would one day become a doctor (even if, like many kids, he first dreamed of being a soccer player). He studied medicine at UPAEP in Puebla, completed his internship in Mexico City, and trained as a general surgeon—then life shifted again. In 2016, newly married, he and his wife, Dr. Carmen Maria Alcantara Navarro, faced a decision: settle into a familiar path, or take a leap. “I always said the word destiny,” he says.
That leap came in the form of a call from Loreto’s hospital. They needed a surgeon “desperately.” When Dr. Salinas hesitated, they asked: is your wife a doctor? She is—an OB-GYN—and Loreto needed one of those too. Suddenly the move wasn’t just possible; it made sense. They sold their car, packed “a couple of bags,” and arrived in Loreto in the August heat, with no home, no car, and a plan to stay no longer than a year.
Nearly a decade later, Dr. Salinas is deeply woven into the life of Loreto: caring for patients, raising two young children, and cherishing something many big-city doctors lose—time with family. He credits Eco-Alianza with reflecting the best of this community: teamwork and a fierce love for Loreto’s natural beauty. Now, as Board President, he says he’s stepping forward to “give part of what Loreto has given me”—and to help Eco-Alianza broaden its reach, strengthen partnerships, and inspire the next generation.
International Partners for Environment
February 2026
Eco-Alianza is pleased to announce a new wave of international partnerships in 2026 and beyond. Building on our long-standing tradition of cross-border alliances and our mission to advance environmental research and education through the CEMA program, we are delighted to welcome a diverse set of new institutional partners.
In 2026, Eco-Alianza is scheduled to host eight international university groups, welcoming more than 77 professors and students to Loreto. These new partnerships represent a 400% increase in International academic programming over the past two years, underscoring both growing global interest in Loreto and the strength of our partnerships.
Programs are tailored to each professor’s expertise and pedagogical objectives. However, across all disciplines, students are immersed in Eco-Alianza’s mission and vision, returning home with new skills, perspectives, and a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship to share with their own communities. International course offerings in 2026 range from Sea of Cortez Marine Expeditions to Community Non-Profit Grant Writing, Comparative Marine Biology and Sociology, and more.
Eco-Alianza staff collaborate on the planning and execution of each visit, providing comprehensive support, from program design and budgeting to logistics and on-the-ground coordination. Helping to lead institutional projects is Megan Rogers, International Partners for the Environment Consultant. Megan graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2022, and interned with Eco-Alianza’s environmental education team in 2017. She leverages her background in business and human-centered design to co-create successful programs with faculty and the team. She takes great joy in sharing Loreto’s treasure with visitors from all disciplines.
Welcoming Sue: Our New Environmental Education Coordinator at Eco-Alianza de Loreto!
Today we celebrate more great news at Eco-Alianza de Loreto: we welcome Sue (Susana Pérez Díaz) as our new Environmental Education Coordinator. Education is the seed of change, and through it we continue to strengthen the love and care for the Bay of Loreto and its incredible biodiversity, together with children, young people, and the entire community.
Sue is a biologist, educator, and nature lover. She has dedicated her career to teaching, inspiring, and creating experiences that connect people with the environment, combining science, creativity, and outdoor learning. She has a master’s degree in Integrative Biology of Biodiversity and Conservation, as well as a specialization in Integrated Waste Management, focused on real socio-environmental issues and solutions from applied science. Her training in biodiversity and conservation, along with her experience working with young people and volunteers, gives her a deep and human perspective on the environmental challenges we face in Loreto.
Her energy, sensitivity, and commitment make her a key ally in promoting a more conscious and sustainable future in our community. We are very excited about what’s to come! Join our environmental education workshops, participate, learn, and be part of the change.
Check dates at www.ecoalianzaloreto.org and join us on this journey through the Bay.
SAVE THE DATE for our
ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL!
Friday and Saturday, APRIL 24 & 25TH
Two nights, two incredible films.
“The Last Dive” directed by Cody Sheey, highlights the incredible 30-year bond between our own Loretano, Terry Kennedy, and a giant manta ray he named Willy that led to the establishment of the Revillagigedo Archipelago Marine Reserve, now a fully protected preserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The Way of the Whale” directed by Franco Campos-Lopez Benyunes, explores the remarkable interspecies bond between humans and whales at Laguna San Igancio, where newborn grey whales and their mothers seek out human touch. This “friendly gray whale” phenomenon is unique in the natural world.
General admission is free, but limited to space available in Eco-Alianza’s beautiful outdoor theatre.
Limited RESERVE SEATING, including a “Meet the Filmmakers” reception before the film will be available for $50/person. Further details and a link to purchasing reserved seating will be included in our March newsletter – but for now, mark your calendars for an extraordinary weekend of environmental films about the water and wildlife here in Baja.
We invite you to take a moment to explore our Annual Report for 2025. It’s a comprehensive overview of our achievements and impact over the past year. You can access the report HERE. Thank you for your continued support!
