EcoWatch
25
Native Oceans—Loreto Transforms into an International
Sea Turtle Town for a Week!
They came from the far corners of the
planet, one thousand strong. Representing 70
nations and a dozen indigenous groups, the
28th International Sea Turtle Symposium
(ISTS) celebrated our Native Oceans in
Loreto’s streets, plazas, restaurants, hotels,
auditorium, and university with the style and
warmth unique to this historic village.
The theme of the meeting was Native
Oceans, recognizing the ancient connection
between people and sea turtles
both here and around the world.
The Seri Indians of Sonora led the
ceremonies which brought
together Australian aboriginal,
Venezuelan Wayuu, and
Miskitu Indians from
Nicaragua among others.
In a move towards
something best called
“adventure conferencing”,
events and sessions were held on
the plaza, attendees walked
across town between sessions
and camping was allowed at
Loreto’s mission to accommodate all comers.
Participants brought their own mugs and water
bottles and were treated to organic Mexican
coffee and tequila. The event was even powered
by solar panels. LIVBLUE Challenge awards
were presented to those who did the most to
minimize their “ocean footprint”.
Baja’s homegrown conservation organization,
Grupo Tortuguero played host to the
meeting and combined the ISTS with their
tenth anniversary symposium.
Next year the event moves to Brisbane,
Australia, and we hope to send several of
the Grupo Tortuguero’s leaders to
represent Baja there. Of course,
Grupo Tortuguero XI will be
back in Loreto at the end of
January 2009 as it has for the
past ten years.
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 (ISTS), the launch of Eco-Alianza
de Loreto, A.C, a new conservation group formed to serve the Loreto region of Baja California
Sur. To support the ISTS , Eco-Alianza donated its downtown office as a command, communications
and travel center; organized home stays and provided overall general assistance to the
conference, including “turtle angels.” The new office is located in the downtown historic area of
Loreto across from the Mission and will be fully staffed by June, 2008. In the meantime, if you
have questions or suggestions, you may contact Hugo Quintero at hugo@mybajaproject.com or
the board members listed on the website at www.ecoalianzaloreto.org
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COMING NEXT…
Sunday, April 20, 2008—Loreto Community Earth Day Cleanup Campaign and Celebration
Click here to
download a Pdf of this article Featured in Baja
Life Magazine.
(116KB)
