Waterkeeper Alliance Conference 2010

The Baja peninsula is an environmental, cultural and economic treasure chest. But today the peninsula faces development pressures that threaten to undermine the ecological vibrancy that underpins its very value. The city of La Paz is a prime destination for eco-tourists who come to explore the wonders of the Sea of Cortez. But because of pollution and unregulated tourism-related developments, in less than a decade the mangroves on the inner side of the Bay of La Paz have lost more than 20 percent of their vegetation. The region needs strong environmental advocates – Waterkeepers – who demand accountability from development proposals and organize affected communities to stop efforts to trade the peninsula’s natural riches for profits. We are proud to stand with our Baja Waterkeepers in their fight for these treasures.

During the four-day event, we hosted multiple plenary speakers, a public forum on coastal ecosystem protection, a restoration and recreation project, 8 regional meetings, 4 board meetings, a Waterkeeper Alliance annual meeting, a mentor-mentee session, a poster session, and 28 panel workshops. We learned so much and were incredibly motivated by your stories from around the world. And the sentiment was the same from attendees:
This conference was a great opportunity for me to get to know people, learn from them, and create new alliances. To be in the same place and meet so many people who share the same principles and ideals was very inspiring. To listen to each story and get to know each program, especially how they are facing their specific challenges, shows me new ways to solve issues in my watershed. I have created strategic alliances that will help me face new challenges. I left knowing that I have the support of many people. In the end, knowing that I am not alone is very important to me.
–Margarita Díaz, Tijuana WATERKEEPER®, Mexico

The 2011 International Waterkeeper Alliance Conference will take place in Chicago, Illinois, from June 22-26 -  4-days of panels, speakers, advocacy and fun in the Windy City with your Great Lakes Waterkeepers!

Photo: Waterkeepers pose around a sand art version of Waterkeeper Alliance’s logo at Balandra Beach during the 2010 Waterkeeper Conference in La Paz, BCS, Mexico. [Taken by John Wathen, 06/11/2010.]