The theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity is “Be part of the plan”. This theme seeks to encourage governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, non-governmental organizations, legislators, businesses and citizens to actively collaborate in the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan by sharing their contributions and committing to the cause. We all have a vital role to play and can contribute significantly to the success of the plan.


This year's celebration will mark the beginning of the preparation for the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16), to be held in Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024.


The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is responsible for the celebration and international instrument in defense of biodiversity. Through its website, the CBD provides promotional tools available in several languages.

Every June 8th we celebrate World Oceans Day, a date that reminds us of the importance of our oceans and the need to protect them. For CEDO Intercultural, this day is especially meaningful, as we dedicate our daily work to the conservation and well-being of the oceans and the communities that depend on them.


We believe that every action counts and that, together, we can make a positive impact. Through conservation projects, research and collaboration with local communities, we work tirelessly to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.


On this World Oceans Day, we renew our commitment to continue working every day for the well-being of all. We invite each of you to join us in this mission by adopting practices that protect our seas and supporting initiatives that promote their conservation.


¡Together we can make a difference for our oceans and for future generations!!

DONATE HERE

En el preámbulo del Foro Regional de la Conservación, CEDO organizó un Cine foro en el Museo de Historia Natural y Cultura Ambiental del Bosque de Chapultepec en donde se presentaron los siguientes cortometrajes: : 


  • “Voces de la casa Común”.
  • American Scar
  • Manglares de Esperanza


The event ended with a cocktail party with dishes made with totoaba from sustainable fisheries sponsored by Earth Ocean Farms and Pesca con Futuro.

During the Regional Forum held in the beautiful Chapultepec Forest, the Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean region had the honor of being the first to launch a time capsule. This capsule contained relevant aspects about the state of biodiversity in the year 2024. The idea was to close it hermetically and open it again in 20 years, thus allowing a direct comparison with the state of biodiversity in that distant future.

The first time capsule was deposited at IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) headquarters. The intention behind this act was that it would serve as a starting point for a broader project, replicating the idea in all other regions. In this way, each region would have its own time capsule, offering a unique view of biodiversity at the time of sealing and allowing for deep reflection on the changes that will occur in the coming decades.

The forum also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IUCN and Mexico City, with the objective of strengthening collaboration on conservation issues. This event served as a platform to discuss IUCN's Programme of Work for the four-year period 2026-2029 and to promote an exchange of knowledge among various actors involved in nature conservation (IUCN) (Secretaría del Medio Ambiente).

For more details on CEDO's participation and other aspects of the forum, please see the following links: IUCN News and Mexico City Government.

Peggy Turk Boyer honored at N-Gen Summit 2024


During the recent N-Gen Summit 2024, held in Alamos, Sonora, Peggy Turk Boyer was honored for her outstanding contributions to the knowledge and conservation of the Sonoran Desert. Peggy Turk Boyer, founder and director emerita of CEDO Intercultural, has stood out for her innovative approach to conservation, integrating science and community in an exemplary manner.


CEDO's participation in the N-Gen Summit unconferences was equally notable, organizing sessions on nature and borders, water in aquifers, sea school, models for the rescue of valuable desert pupfish (Cyprinodon eremus), tourism and academic experiences and services. These sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas and strengthened collaborations between researchers and conservationists, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in Sonoran Desert conservation.


For more details on the event and its activities, please visit the N-Gen Summit official websit.

As part of the World Species Congress, the Freshwater Conservation Committee of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and the Shedd Aquarium Freshwater Species Survival Center celebrated freshwater biodiversity together at the virtual satellite event: “Towards a Mesoamerican Alliance for the Conservation of Freshwater Species”. Guests working in the Mesoamerican region dedicated to the study and conservation of freshwater species presented initiatives that seek to foster a regional alliance that maximizes conservation opportunities in the region.


Dr. Barajas participated with the presentation: Peces de agua dulce en peligro de extinción del Río Sonoyta: conservación y educación en las tierras fronterizas entre el suroeste de Estados Unidos y el noroeste mexicano / Endangered Freshwater Fish of the Rio Sonoyta“Our goal is to ensure that future generations understand the importance of these ecosystems and become stewards of local biodiversity” said Dr. Barajas Acosta. Through educational workshops, community activities and monitoring programs, CEDO is working to ensure a sustainable future for the freshwater species of the Sonoyta River.

In a significant achievement for conservation and sustainable development, CEDO Intercultural has been granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations. This recognition highlights the importance and impact of CEDO's work in the conservation of marine and desert ecosystems in the Gulf of California and the Sonoran Desert.


Dr. Nélida Barajas, Executive Director of CEDO Intercultural, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for this recognition: “This special consultative status is a great honor for CEDO and reflects the hard work and dedication of our team. It will allow us to amplify our voice and collaborate with a global network of experts to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”


With this status, CEDO will be able to:


  • Participate in UN Conferences and Events.
  • Collaborate with International Organizations. 
  • Access to Resources and Funds.

IUCN's new report, “Planet on the Move,” underscores the need for conservationists to better consider the migration and displacement of humans and other species due to climate change, environmental degradation and conflict. The report stresses that traditional conservation practices alone are not sufficient and must be integrated with cross-sectoral partnerships and approaches that consider humanitarian and development needs without compromising biodiversity. This paradigm shift is crucial to prepare, plan and adapt to future global conditions.


You can read more details at: 

https://www.iucn.org/news/202406/climate-change-and-conflict-increase-new-iucn-reports-says-conservationists-need-better


If you are interested in reading the full report, you can download it in English from this link: https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/51492

The role of women in fisheries and aquaculture represents almost half of the workforce, yet their participation is often invisible and they are not part of economic decisions. In Ejido Rodolfo Campodónico, Sonora, a fishing production cooperative that harvested crab and employed many women was affected by the closure of its processing plant due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Faced with this situation, CEDO, with the support of Nacional Monte de Piedad and Minera Penmont-Fresnillo, organized a 25-week training for women in 2022 to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. The result was the project to reopen the processing plant, focusing on the production of crab meat and tongs, and the use of shells for flour.


This project seeks to improve the resilience of the women and their community, offering opportunities for self-employment and validation of their practices with certifications. It also promotes gender equity and human rights, integrating these women into the value chain of the crab fishery and allowing them to access markets that value environmental and social responsibility.

To read the full article,

Visit our blog

CEDO Xperiences activities in May and June.


An Educational and Environmental Success!


CEDO Xperiences experienced a series of exciting educational and environmental activities, consolidating itself as a center for learning and conservation.

Here are the highlights:

Arizona State University / School of Art: Students explored the importance of water in the desert, visiting the river delta, the oyster mill at Estero Morúa and the La Salina field.


Mountain Oak School: Students enjoyed the intertidal zone and participated in an interpretive talk about Estero Morúa. They also inaugurated the first scorpion safari.


Mesa Community College: Students kayaked, visited San Jorge Island, and conducted sea lion and invertebrate monitoring.

Liceo Monte Albán Montessori:

Students presented an exhibit of animals endemic to the area.


Ecoferia in Puerto Peñasco:

More than 200 participants enjoyed workshops and environmental education activities.


Papalote Festival:

They taught how to make kites from recycled materials and participated in talks on environmental issues.


Sonora Institute:

Workshops on reptiles, arthropods, local fauna and biodiversity.


Solar Energy Workshops:

They learned how to cook with a solar oven, preparing delicious pizzas.

Arena y Vino Festival: A total success where the attendees enjoyed local products and the culture and gastronomy of the region.

It has been an incredibly active and enriching period for CEDO Xperiences.


Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making these months an unforgettable experience!

The Dirección de Vida Silvestre de la Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente grants permit to CEDO for the installation of the turtle camp “JÑAR ÑAWAA”.


Support the “Jñar ñawaa” (turtle house in Cucapah) camp!

Turtle camps are fundamental for the protection of sea turtles and their habitats.


Thanks to the permit granted, this Jñar Ñawaa camp can continue its activities of nest protection and monitoring, hatchling release and educational programs, thus ensuring the survival of sea turtles. 


Your donation can make a crucial difference in our mission to protect sea turtles. With your support, we can:


  • Ensure a safe environment for nesting and hatchling release.


  • Improve our understanding and protection of these precious species.


  • Raise awareness among local communities and visitors about the importance of conservation.

Every contribution, no matter how small, is a step toward a future in which sea turtles and our oceans can thrive.

MAKE YOUR DONATION HERE

Thank you for your continued support in the conservation of our sea turtles!


The CEDO Intercultural Team

cedo.org

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