CULTURE
LOS CABOS
Giving Guide Cabo San Lucas / San José del Cabo
by International Community Foundation
D
iving gives you the opportunity to experience an entirely different world under water. Through diving, whether with scuba gear or not, you are able to interact with marine life and the extraordinary environment they live in. These underwater wonders vary from place to place and are astonishing in their own sense. But in Cabo Pulmo, the underwater world is like no other, flourishing beyond belief with hundreds of sharks, manta rays, endless bodies of fish and the most breathtaking coral reef. Cabo Pulmo is world-renowned for its beauty and biodiverse marine ecosystems and additionally has the only coral reef in the area. Thousands of conscious divers travel there and are instantly humbled by their experience in being in presence of this magnificent underwater world. Although, it is now known for its biological importance, Cabo Pulmo was once on the periphery of vanishing. At one point, threats from over fishing, unsustainable tourism, and mega developments caused damage to this place. Due to the peril of losing the 30
beauty of their home, local residents became vigilant about the risks posing a threat to the health of the coastal waters and reef ecosystem. From this environmental conscious movement, Amigos para la Conservacion de Cabo Pulmo, A.C. (ACCP) was born. ACCP is a small but dynamic organization committed to the conservation of their little corner of the planet. Their vision is focused on continuing to make Cabo Pulmo a sanctuary for its marine and terrestrial life. Their work is based on the importance of involving their community in the conservation efforts to protect the place they call home. Through their efforts they have successfully revived the reef of Cabo Pulmo, which is especially important as this reef is the oldest in the American Pacific and the largest in the Gulf of California, therefore a priority for conservation. In addition to their coral reef restoration, they are the only group in the area also committed to monitoring the quality of coastal waters within and surrounding the Cabo Pulmo National Park – essentially important
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOUTHERN BAJA
when one is recreational diving. Except for ACCP, no other entity has taken on the task of promoting the conservation of their community. Their notable success is due to their commitment to enforce and protect this space. However, challenges are ongoing, as tourism in the region grows and puts new pressures on the reefs and the marine populations, which if not addressed, could seriously impact the progress made. Underwater diving opens one up to life below the water, but without local organizations such as Amigos para la Conservacion de Cabo Pulmo there would be no life below water to explore. Consider supporting ACCP and the amazing work that they are doing by giving a tax-deductible donation to their fund at the International Community Foundation. This fund is part of a long standing initiative to protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Cabo Pulmo through collaborative initiatives. www.donate.icfdn.org/npo/amigos-parala-conservacion-de-cabo-pulmo-fund
Amigos de Los Niños www.adlncabo.org - 624 144 3195 Baja SAFE, Salud de los Animales y Familias con Educación A.C. www.bajasafe.com The Bomberos Voluntarios (Volunteer Fire Department) Cabo San Lucas: 624 143 3577 San José del Cabo: 624 142 2466. Building Baja's Future www.buildingbajasfuture.org - 624 355 4314 Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas, A.C. www.casahogarcabo.com - 624 123 1285 Gala de Danza A.C. www.galadedanza.com Gente Joven Por Un Cambio, A.C. www.gentejovenac.org H+ Foundation Fund www.donatricfdn.org Liga M.A.C., A.C. (Mexican American Canadian League) www.ligamac.org - 624 120 1060 Los Cabos Children's Foundation, A.C. www.loscaboschildren.org - 624 157 3851 Los Cabos Humane Society www.loscaboshumanesociety.com - 624 129 8346 Los Niños del Capitán, A.C. www.losninosdelcapitan.com - 624 173 3807 Mobilize Mankind www.mobilizemankind.org - 624 129 8223 Red Autismo www.redautismo.org - 624 166 8186 Sarahuaro www.sarahuaro.org - 624 122 4955 Solmar Foundation Fund www.solmarfoundation.com Vifac BCS www.vifac.org - 624 688 5062, 01 800 362 2207
East Cape
Amigos para la Conservacion de Cabo Pulmo, A.C. (ACCP) www.cabopulmoamigos.com East Cape Community Urgent Care Clinic, A.C. www.eastcapemedical.com East Cape Guild www.eastcapeguild.com
Todos Santos
The Palapa Society Todos Santos, A.C. www.palapasociety.org Todos Santos Community Fund www.donate.icfdn.org
La Paz
Centro Mujeres, A.C. www.centromujeres.org Como Vamos La Paz, A.C. www.comovamoslapaz.com Fundación Ayuda Niños La Paz, A.C. (FANLAP) www.lapazninos.org Fundación Cántaro Azul, A.C. www.cantaroazul.com Water and environmental solutions La Paz Community fund www.donateicfdn.org Pelagios Kakunjá www.Pelagioskakunja.org Raíz de Fondo Jardines y Educación, A.C. www.raizdefondo.org
Magdalena Bay
Vigilantes de Bahía Magdalena, A.C. Facebook: @vigilantes.bahiamagdalena
Loreto
Eco-Alianza de Loreto, A.C. www.ecoalianzaloreto.org