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Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. Non-Profit Launched
January 20, 2008 - Wallace J. Nichols, PhD, world renowned marine biologist and President of the International Sea Turtle Society, 2007-2008, announced at a recent gathering of organizers and sponsors of the 10th Annual Meeting of Grupo Tortuguero and the 28th International Sea Turtle Symposium, the launch of a new non-profit conservation group, Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C., formed to serve the Loreto region of Baja California Sur.
Dr. Nichols congratulated the members of the association and introduced Ing. Hugo Quintero Maldonado, President of the Board of Directors of Eco-Alianza, who spoke to the gathering concerning the important and timely mission of Eco-Alianza, a new non-profit membership organization of environmental organizations and individuals committed to working collaboratively to protect and preserve the coastal, marine and terrestrial eco-systems of the Municipality of Loreto while promoting smart growth strategies and viable communities in the region.
Mr. Quintero further stated that “Eco-Alianza believes that everyone living in or visiting Loreto must be part of the solution.” Attending the gathering were also the founders and members of the Eco-Alianza Board of Directors and Advisory Board representing all facets of the Loreto community, including Loreto natives and friends from the Mexican and international community with a commitment to Loreto. www.ecoalianzaloreto.org
Grupo Tortuguero Celebrates 10 years of Conservation Success in Baja
Ten years ago a collection of fishermen, scientists, conservationists and others formed Grupo Tortuguero, the first sea turtle conservation network in Northwest Mexico. Today, the network has grown into one of the strongest grassroots conservation movements in the world, serving as a model for other countries. In 2007, Grupo Tortuguero achieved notable success through creating an international exchange, bringing together local fishermen from Baja California with their Hawaiian and Japanese counterparts to share information on turtle-friendly fishing methods. In 2007, hundreds of turtles were saved while preserving traditional livelihoods. www.propeninsula.org and www.grupotortuguero.org
Symposium Attendees Followed LIVBLUE Mantra at Solar Powered, Sustainable Conference
“Live like you love the ocean… It’s a simple philosophy, but challenging to execute at an international conference with 1,000 participants,” states Dr. Nichols. Symposium attendees took on the LIVBLUE Challenge, an initiative to minimize the ecological impact of the event. Tactics included camping and home stays, using public transportation or walking, reducing waste, and sustainable organic/local eating choices. Even energy was sustainably produced with a solar trailer for recharging attendees’ laptops, cell phones and flashlights! LIVBLUE Awards were given to travelers with the lowest carbon footprint, greatest distance traveled in an eco-friendly manner and most novel methods of footprint reduction. There were some wild stories from conservation scientists who could “walk the talk.” www.livblue.org
Native Oceans Theme Recognizes Importance of Indigenous Conservation
Native peoples are often those living closest with the natural environment. With the deepest cultural ties to sea turtles and a direct need to coexist with them, native peoples are key to conservation success. Indigenous populations from around the world participated in the symposium. The Seri Indians of Sonora, Mexico shared their personal special Leatherback ceremony during the symposium. www.oceanconservancy.org
Public Joins Scientists to Make Sea Turtle Conservation a Global Movement
There’s been tremendous growth in the public’s interest in sea turtles over the past decade, which has led to an explosion in sea turtle conservation efforts worldwide. Tourists are traveling to see sea turtles nesting on beaches at hotspots around the world, and volunteering in their backyards to patrol and protect these enigmatic creatures. The science is developing, and the public is getting involved – through online networks, education in schools and media.
Scientists Present Groundbreaking New Turtle Research
Top scientists from around the world shared the results of their research with colleagues in an effort to improve sea turtle conservation worldwide. A few highlights:
- Urgent protection needed for Californias/Eastern Tropical Pacific: New tracking data on Leatherback foraging off California, USA; by catch reduction efforts in Baja California Sur; tracking the movements and behaviors of Leatherbacks in the Eastern Pacific.
- Global warming: the past, present and future of sea turtles – new research from Australia on future global warming effects on sea turtles.
- Hawksbill sea turtles are ecologically extinct in the Eastern Pacific Ocean: A new review places them near the top of the list of the region’s most endangered ocean animals. www.seaturtle.org
The Swot Report – “The State of the World’s Sea Turtles”
Plastic marine debris – an overview was presented on how marine debris affects sea turtles and other marine species, and how individuals’ everyday actions can help alleviate this rampant threat.
Hawksbill turtles – a global overview was analyzed with a new map showing routes of the Japanese bekko (tortoiseshell) trade, clues to the disappearance of Hawksbill turtles in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and the most detailed global map of worldwide Hawksbill nesting sites to date.
Longest migration – the story of a Leatherback sea turtle that was tracked swimming from Indonesia across the Pacific to Oregon, USA – a distance of 20,558 kilometers/ 12,774 miles over 647 days.
www.conservation.org and www.seaturtlestatus.org
Ocean Conservancy Launches SEE Turtles Program
SEE Turtles program connects travelers to important sea turtle sites by steering vital economic activity to deserving communities to help them understand and benefit from the value of the wildlife in their local environment. In short, the sea turtles are worth more alive than dead. Ocean Conservancy will start the program in Baja California Sur, with plans to expand to Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago. Ocean Conservancy’s role is to link tourists who are interested in sea turtles with partners at sites that have demonstrated conservation measure in their tour operations. www.oceanconservancy.org
Loreto’s Turtle Angels
Several residents of the Loreto Community were tapped as “turtle angels” throughout the conference to donate housing, transportation, meals, communications and overall general assistance to the many young scientists on a budget, and students and volunteers from 70 countries who participated in the 28th Sea Turtle Symposium. The warm hearted friendliness of the Loretanos and the natural wonders of Loreto’s special place on the planet will be warmly remembered and to those anonymous “turtle angels,” we extend our deepest gratitude.
Eco-Alianza Headquarters Serves as Local Host for the Symposium |
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