Projects

Reef Monitoring
Caring for the reef is one of the primary responsibilities of this Asociation. Not only because it's a basic natural resource for our community, and a Natural Protected Area recognized for its beauty world-wide, but also because it's important as a case study for scientific research, and for the study of applying sustainability to marine and land environments.

Scientific monitoring is essential to understanding the current state of the reef and the National Park in general. With the help of the Civil Society Association COBI, the reef at Cabo Pulmo is monitored and watched over. Young people from the community are trained by marine biologists and expert divers, so that they become encouraged to make responsible decisions regarding this natural treasure.

Environmental and Science Education Campaign
ACCP works towards creating awareness about natural resources in the National Park in Cabo Pulmo, as well as in surrounding communities and cities. ACCP produces videos in order to encourage learning in teh commumity and among visitors to the park, be they Mexican or from foreign countries. With the support of the Norcross Corporation, ACCP puts out exhibits and videos during vacation season that look at this unique habitat, the environmental richness of the gulf of California, and environmental education in general.

ACCP also actively collaborates with the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS) to bring real-world examples of a conservation oriented social movement into the classroom, along with lessons on the National Park, and the current threats to the environment.

With the help of COBI, ACCP has been working on putting together a science information library on the reef.

In-Water Sea Turtle Monitoring
Home to 5 species of sea turtle, all of which are on the endangered species list, the Cabo Pulmo reef system and beaches are a critical habitat in dire need of protection against excessive fishing and the increasing pressures for unregulated tourist development. The turtle monitoring program supervised by the ACCP and supported by the work of the Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias works to evaluate the quantity and diversity of these marine reptiles.

Yesterday: Nest Monitoring - Coming this Summer: Turtle Incubation Center
As a nesting site for two species of sea turtle (the Olive Ridley and the Leatherback), the nest monitoring program is part of the nacent effort to determine precisely which species of sea turtle nest on teh beaches of the park, to protect nests from natural predators and human threats, and to guard hatchlings during their trek from the nest to the ocean. Each nesting site was registered via GPS, and data was taken down on the population density of the nests, the survivability of each nest, and the survival rate of the baby turtles. Though the program to some extent accomplished its objectives, this year is shaping up to be even more successful through the establishment of two incubation sites for Olive Ridley nests. They will be placed just north and south of the national park; this will allow for more control over the hatchings, and will further help protect these marine reptiles. We invite any and all to participate in this breathtaking experience of conservation and environmental education.

Trash Pick-Up Campaign
The park's pristine and undisturbed landscape is part of its beauty. Organization members and volunteers pick up trash off the beaches, paths and access roads. "What we do here has an impact on waht's over there," is a common sentiment. We constantly and consistently clean the area, caring for the beauty of the landscape, the health of the reef, and the health of the whole habitat.