We strengthen the conservation of the ecosystems and species of the Balandra Flora and Fauna Protection Area, one of the most emblematic natural areas in Baja California Sur.
Balandra is quite well-known for its crystalline waters, its beaches, and the iconic rock formation known as El Hongo. However, its importance goes far beyond just a beautiful landscape. This protected natural area in Baja California Sur is home to a diversity of ecosystems and species whose conservation requires ongoing work, information, and collaboration.
Conserving Balandra means protecting the ecosystems and species that make this site a place of great ecological and social value. To contribute to this effort, at Pronatura Noroeste we signed a work plan with the Balandra Flora and Fauna Protection Area (APFF, by its Spanish acronym), which establishes joint actions to strengthen the management and protection of its natural elements and conservation targets.
One of the results of this collaboration is already reflected in sea turtle nesting areas. We identified and protected 5 olive ridley sea turtle nests (Lepidochelys olivacea) within the polygon of the Balandra APFF during monitoring and surveillance work carried out on August 28, contributing to the conservation of this species.
In coordination with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), through the Balandra APFF, the La Paz Citizen Observer Network (ROC), and PROREST community monitors, we delivered a theoretical-practical field training session on sea turtle monitoring and conducted a surveillance patrol of nesting areas.
“The result of the joint work is that we achieved the identification and protection of 5 nests of the olive ridley sea turtle species (Lepidochelys olivacea), reinforcing in situ monitoring and the conservation of the natural elements of this important Protected Natural Area,” detailed Fernando Garza Larracilla, who is a technician in the environmental education field.
More information to strengthen Balandra’s conservation
Balandra is quite well-known for its crystalline waters, its beaches, and the iconic rock formation known as El Hongo. However, its importance goes far beyond just a beautiful landscape. This protected natural area in Baja California Sur is home to a diversity of ecosystems and species whose conservation requires ongoing work, information, and collaboration.
Conserving Balandra means protecting the ecosystems and species that make this site a place of great ecological and social value. To contribute to this effort, at Pronatura Noroeste we signed a work plan with the Balandra Flora and Fauna Protection Area (APFF, by its Spanish acronym), which establishes joint actions to strengthen the management and protection of its natural elements and conservation targets.
One of the results of this collaboration is already reflected in sea turtle nesting areas. We identified and protected 5 olive ridley sea turtle nests (Lepidochelys olivacea) within the polygon of the Balandra APFF during monitoring and surveillance work carried out on August 28, contributing to the conservation of this species.
In coordination with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), through the Balandra APFF, the La Paz Citizen Observer Network (ROC), and PROREST community monitors, we delivered a theoretical-practical field training session on sea turtle monitoring and conducted a surveillance patrol of nesting areas.
“The result of the joint work is that we achieved the identification and protection of 5 nests of the olive ridley sea turtle species (Lepidochelys olivacea), reinforcing in situ monitoring and the conservation of the natural elements of this important Protected Natural Area,” detailed Fernando Garza Larracilla, who is a technician in the environmental education field.
“These are collaboration instruments that make it possible to coordinate various activities aimed at strengthening capacities, as well as facilitating the exchange of resources, infrastructure, knowledge, work, support, and logistics. In this way, they help consolidate conservation actions, strengthen the management of protected natural areas, and promote more effective and coordinated governance,” explained Alejandro Torres Mendía, Regional Assistant for Inspection and Surveillance Projects.
In this way, actions do not function in isolation, but rather seek to complement the efforts already being made to address the site’s conservation needs.
Much more than just El Hongo
Protecting the Balandra APFF also means recognizing everything that exists beyond its most famous image.
“Balandra itself is not only the iconic beach where El Hongo is located,” emphasized Torres Mendía. The area is home to a diversity of ecosystems and species, as well as important extensions of mangrove forest.
These ecosystems fulfill relevant functions. Mangroves, for example, act as natural protective barriers and provide habitat for different species.
Added to this is their importance for people. Baja California Sur residents, and national and international visitors find in Balandra a space to connect with and enjoy nature.
Its conservation makes it possible to maintain both its ecological values and the possibility for people to continue relating responsibly to this natural heritage.
Conserving Balandra means protecting its mangroves, nesting areas, wildlife, and other ecosystems that sustain the area’s natural richness. With this work plan in mind, we strengthen an alliance that makes it possible to create better conditions for the conservation of these ecosystems and species, joining capacities to improve management, strengthen oversight and monitoring, and advance environmental education.
In Pronatura Noroeste, we work to improve the conservation of protected natural areas through collaboration among institutions, organizations, and society toward a common goal.
In Balandra, this joining of efforts allows us to continue making progress in protecting a place whose true richness lies both in the landscape we admire and in the life that landscape sustains.
Learn about the work we carry out with our allies and discover how collaboration contributes to protecting the natural spaces of Northwestern Mexico.
Translated by: Oddary Tacuba
Reviewed and edited by: Carmen Arce
