Soundings August 2023

At the recent gala celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the Bay of Loreto National Park (PNBL), Dr. Victor Sanchez Cordero presented the ‘Certificado de Lista Verde de la UICN’ to the Bay of Loreto National Park. It was announced that the Park has been Certified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) as a “Green Listed” site, one of 77 protected sites globally certified and recognized as achieving ongoing results for people and nature in a fair and effective way.

In addition, a Letter of Understanding was signed between the H.X. Ayuntamiento de Loreto (the municipality), and two work agreements for the preservation of the La Negrita Wetland were signed by Pronatura Noroeste and Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. Many citizens from the Loreto Community were in attendance to witness this monumental achievement.

The Green List is a global campaign for successful nature conservation. At its heart is the Green List Sustainability Standard.

Invited to participate at this landmark Park Anniversary event in recognition of Eco-Alianza’s many years of Park collaboration and support: M. en C. Yvo Arias Salorio, Board President, L.C.P. Carlos Posadas Solano, Executive Director, Kathy Mitchell, Board Secretary, Chuck Mitchell, Advisory Board, Linda Kinninger, Co-founder/Treasurer, Board of Directors, Anthony (Tony) Kinninnger, Co-founder, Advisory Board.

About the ‘Green List’:

Any protected and conserved area that gains “Green List” status demonstrates:
Respect: for the local community through fair and meaningful engagement of rights-holders and stakeholders.
Design: planning that identifies the needs to secure the important values of the area
Effective management: monitoring of the status of these important values
Successful conservation results: for nature and for people
Clean contribution: to climate change responses, health and well-being and other challenges.

The IUCN Green List Standard is a globally applicable Standard. It provides an international benchmark for quality that motivates improved performance and achievement of conservation objectives and is under review every five years. At the heart of the IUCN Green List initiative is a globally applicable Standard. It provides an international benchmark for quality that motivates improved performance and achievement of conservation objectives.

The seventeen criteria for Certification collectively describe the efforts needed to fully achieve the global Sustainability Standard and all must be achieved for green-listing. The indicators can be adapted to suit the local context.

By committing to meet the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Standard, Loreto site managers must demonstrate and maintain performance and deliver real nature conservation results.

Quote from IUCN:

“The future of life on Earth depends on our efforts to nurture and protect nature, on land and in the seas, the impacts of population growth, industrialisation, production and consumption patterns are pushing our planet’s boundaries to the limit. We are threatening our very existence through an accelerated loss of ecosystems, wild species and natural processes. We are degrading terrestrial and marine ecosystems beyond recovery, and we are only just beginning to see the real impacts of the climate crisis.

However we can hope for change, and dream of a greener future. There is already a strong community of men and women fighting against environmental loss in and around protected and conserved natural areas worldwide. They live in remote and wild areas, in the countryside, in cities, in forests, mountains and savannahs, along our coasts and on islands, and out into the seas and oceans.”

After 16 years since its founding, Eco-Alianza continues its strong commitment to support initiatives that conserve the natural wonders of the Bay of Loreto Park, its islands and wetlands, its mountains and deserts to preserve the quality of life for all its citizens and future generations.

“Never think that a small group of committed people can’t change the world.
In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead

During this period, our initiative conducted three projections of family-friendly films from commercial productions to promote the collection of recyclables with active participation from the community. At these events, attendees were introduced to the significance of reflecting on the complexity of socio-environmental systems and the need to develop informed decision-making abilities.

We emphasized the importance of cooperation and adopting sustainable habits that benefit our planet. Participants were encouraged to plan collective actions that support environmental integrity, economic viability, and social justice, taking into consideration both current and future generations, as well as respecting cultural diversity.

To put our words into action, we organized the collection of materials such as PET, aluminum, and batteries. This recycling effort aimed to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal and its positive impact on the environment.

By combining educational film screenings and community involvement in recycling initiatives, we aspire to create a sustainable environment where everyone plays an active role in preserving our Loreto for future generations.

“Your summer at Eco Alianza” has been an enriching experience filled with a series of courses and activities that spanned across July and August.

The journey began with an exciting course-workshop designed to engage children from the community. They were invited to explore, discover, and learn while having fun, playing, and immersing themselves in the wonders of nature’s abundance. Through interactive simulations, scientific experiments, field monitoring practices, and engaging games, the children gained valuable insights into marine species and the importance of conserving natural resources.

The program also included enlightening scientific talks that further deepened their understanding of marine life. During the summer, the children had the opportunity to create their own field journals, documenting their observations and experiences in the natural world.

Beyond learning, these activities fostered an environment of healthy coexistence and camaraderie. New friendships were formed, and the children felt comfortable expressing themselves freely, laughing, and sharing in the joy of discovery. This sense of belonging and connection with nature will undoubtedly inspire them to become future advocates for preserving and defending our precious natural heritage.

In this nurturing and educational summer program at Eco Alianza, the children not only had a memorable and fun-filled time but also developed a profound appreciation for the gift that nature grants us all.

The Eco Alianza Nature Squad is a dedicated group of volunteers who play a crucial role in various activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and conservation within the community.

As active participants, the members of the Nature Squad take on leadership roles, sharing their knowledge and expertise with families and participants during different events. Through engaging presentations and teaching sessions, they contribute to the understanding of important topics related to nature, sustainability, and the significance of preserving natural resources.

Not only do they take part in community engagement activities, but the Nature Squad also undergoes training in kayaking. This training empowers them to serve as instructors during the first summer camp in Loreto, where 24 students will have the opportunity to learn and explore kayaking as a recreational and sports activity.

This initiative is made possible through a strong alliance with Sea Kayak Baja México, a collaborative partnership that allows Eco Alianza to develop and implement meaningful projects that benefit both the environment and the community.

By combining their passion for nature with hands-on involvement, the Eco Alianza Nature Squad inspires positive change, instilling a love for the environment in others and contributing to the sustainable future of Loreto.

Our 16th Anniversary GALA Event its here!  

We are honored that many of you will be joining us on November 11, 2023 and are grateful for your attendance and support to make our work possible. The 2023 GALA will support all of Eco-Alianza’s programs to save the treasures we love for future generations.

Book your flight and join us one more time!