We are a non-profit, citizen-led organization working to preserve wetlands by balancing development with environmental protection, for the benefit of present and future generations. We are based in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, and primarily work in northwestern Mexico.
Mission
Promote and establish a system of preserved wetlands in northwestern Mexico, Led by local communities and through schemes that allow the continuity of the ecological processes and environmental services provided by these ecosystems, for the benefit of present and future generations.
Vision
Consolidate a system of preserved wetlands in northwestern Mexico.
Values
The policies established by Pro Esteros are based on the values we firmly believe in. The organization distinguishes itself by building long-term relationships and commitments with the communities that use the wetlands, where perseverance and inclusion are essential. Since these communities are mostly rural and located in marginalized areas, we consider prudence and integrity to be indispensable values for establishing these relationships, which are the foundation of our work. Solidarity, therefore, encapsulates the relationships we build, which are the cornerstone of our work.
• Concern for people
• Commitment to results
• Social responsibility
• Solidarity
• Teamwork
Objectives
To have the necessary information on the wetlands of the region, in order to support and direct management strategies, environmental education and community strengthening to ensure the perpetuity of ecological processes, as well as the integrated management of the wetlands of northwest Mexico.
Support the communities and authorities of the three levels of government, promoting the implementation of various instruments to protect wetlands in the Northwest of Mexico, as well as an integrated management.
That communities become aware of information about the region’s wetlands, their relationship with their environment, and how they influence the quality of life, through environmental education projects and activities, the generation of educational materials, as well as organizing and/or participating in public events on this topic.
Strengthening the communities that live around the wetlands, promoting, facilitating and supporting their participation with the different social sectors and organized groups in the conservation and protection of coastal wetlands, in coordination with the three levels of government.
Develop institutional capabilities to achieve our vision and mission.
HISTORY
Start
1988
En Ensenada, Baja California
Pro Esteros began in 1988 as a response to the damage that the Punta Banda Estuary was suffering, since this important wetland had been used for many years as a natural laboratory, both for students and researchers from both sides of the border, due to its good state of conservation.
The first projects carried out were research projects, and the first wetlands we worked on were the Punta Banda Estuary and San Quintín Bay. As we began the process of seeking some level of protection for these wetlands, primarily at the federal level, we realized the great lack of knowledge about wetlands in general, their ecological importance, the role they play, and above all, the many benefits they provide. It wasn’t just the general public who were almost completely ignorant about wetlands; the authorities were too, which had a significant impact on decision-making.
From this, the decision was made that the research should be translated into everyday language for dissemination to the general public. This led to the development of our first Environmental Education project, and as we progressed, we sought to address a request from many teachers who wanted information not only about wetlands, their flora and fauna, but more importantly, about local ecosystems. The textbooks used in schools discussed Mexico in very general terms, and most of the examples were from remote locations with no connection to our local environment.
Initial Activities
Research and dissemination of science
And so, to this day, we continue to develop educational programs and materials for all educational levels, from kindergarten to high school, as well as for the general public. Through this, we have developed an intensive program of courses, workshops, talks, field trips, newsletters, posters, photo exhibits, and many other materials.
After so many years of working in the wetlands, a new coordination effort was established with the aim of strengthening the communities living near the wetlands of interest, communities that use or have some other interest in these ecosystems. This coordination was a response to the numerous calls for help we received from fishermen, housewives, teachers, students, and others who, as they began to learn more about the processes that occur in the wetlands and, through environmental education, better understand the many services derived from these processes, have seen them threatened by plans and projects generally proposed by people from outside the community. Marinas, golf courses, industrial developments, among others, have had and continue to have devastating effects.
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Current development
Active coordination in community and environmental development
Through this coordination, we aim to support interested communities with the necessary tools and knowledge so that they can, firstly, become informed (through appropriate channels) about development plans for their communities; jointly analyze this information and act accordingly, thus becoming protagonists of their own development and co-responsible for decision-making regarding their own natural resources.