In May, I participated in three days of presentations by scientists and conservation practitioners during the NW Mexico Conservation Science Symposium. One of the Symposium's objectives was to exchange data between researchers exploring marine and terrestrial conservation issues in the region. Over one hundred presentations were made by project leaders to a very attentive audience. Commissioner Luis Fueyo of Mexico's Natural Protected Areas Commission gave the keynote address; newly -elected officials from Loreto's municipality attended presentations and evening events.

My wife, Linda, and I donated the “seed money” to jump start the event. We wanted to host this event for several reasons: 1) to spark more conversation between the scientific and conservation communities; 2) to demonstrate that conservation can contribute directly to the local economy, and 3) to showcase the local leadership of Eco-Alianza de Loreto. On all fronts, this symposium was a success.

The International Community Foundation had 13 grantees making presentations at the Symposium, allowing ICF staff to meet with them to discuss current and future projects. We were also lucky to have others from the funding community represented: The Ocean Foundation (as host and organizer), Consultative Group for Biological Diversity, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Trust, JiJi Foundation, and Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. I witnessed many conversations on the sidelines that I hope will result in new partnerships between scientists and conservation groups in the region.

Furthermore, Loreto came alive with enthusiasm over the energy created by the attendees and the presenters. The Symposium injected the first sign of a positive attitude that the Loreto Community has experienced in nearly three years of a weak economy. “Loretanos” were excited over the attention that was given to Loreto and Baja California Sur by this diverse group. And, although we don’t have a final tally, I am sure that the symposium contributed a strong boost to the local economy with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and tour operators benefiting from the spill-over effect. It is important to remind local officials that conservation does not always close off financial opportunities; on the contrary, it can be a tool to stimulate more sustainable economic growth.

Finally, Linda and I were very pleased with the leadership role that Eco-Alianza de Loreto was able to play in the conference. Horacio Cabrera, the Executive Director, made a special effort to include the new Municipal President. That is already paying off with a new solid waste management program and a proposal to create a “pueblo mágico” for Loreto. We are hopeful that Eco-Alianza and the town’s leaders will forge new partnerships that benefit both conservation and the community that we have come to love as our own.

To contribute to the “Friends of Eco-Alianza” fund at ICF, please click here. For questions and comments, please contact Anne McEnany at anne@icfdn.org.

To learn more about Eco-Alianza, please click: http://www.ecoalianzaloreto.org/index.html