The Sustainability Collective & Exchange
Study Abroad Program
La Programa Internacional Colectivo
y Intercambio Sostenabilidad
If you have ideas for this project or wish to contribute to this website, please contact me: Pablo Martin
This sustainability-focused study abroad program planned for June, 2023 will bring a group of community college students from San Diego and La Ventana, Mexico for a four-week program. (Eventually, we'd also like to host Mexican college students to San Diego for a four-week exchange as well.) Our goal is for people from both countries to be exposed to diverse experiences that will open new opportunities for them and enrich their ability to contribute to the sustainability of their home communities. Participants would hear presentations from different organizations working in the region and visit some of their project sites. Participants may also have the opportunity to volunteer and job-shadow with one of these organizations. Alternatively, participants could also choose to complete their own sustainability assessments of local ocean ecology, development/sprawl, waste management, and water management, for example. The group would also take weekly excursions to explore some of the region’s beauty and history. Individuals will have the option to take longer, weekend excursions as well. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be invited to present a summary of their experiences and findings at a culminating event that's open to all members of the community. Community members will also be invited to some of the same presentations we provide for the students in the program. The goal is for all of us to share in the beauty of the region and the different ways we've come up with to ensure that it endures into the future.
The following are links to videos and other resources associated with the Study Abroad Program. Some of these activities are included as part of the program, while others are things participants can do on their own.
Palapas Ventana
Ocean Adventure Resort
Palapas Ventana is an Ocean Adventure Resort in La Ventana Bay in the Sea of Cortez, Baja Mexico located just 35 minutes southeast of La Paz. The resort features custom service small-town charm and incredible water sports. Experience world-class Spearfishing, Fishing, Kiteboarding, Scuba... or just relax and enjoy incredible turquoise water, amazing sunrises and sunsets, friendly Mexican culture, foods with unforgettable flavors, and a time to just be.
The Resort: https://www.palapasventana.com/resort/
Activities: https://www.palapasventana.com/activities/
Rancho Cacachilas
“As a responsible steward of its landholdings, Rancho Cacachilas carefully manages and quantifies diverse assets, and develops activities as long-term economic projects. Rancho Cacachilas' values are deeply rooted in our awareness that what we do potentially affects the lives of many people, as well as our surrounding environment. We intend to leave a legacy that honors and protects the earth while benefiting current and future generations. Our Values: Successful Communities, Social And Environmental Responsibility, Value-Learning, Highest Ethical Standards, and Collaboration.”
Other Video Highlights from Rancho Cacachilas
- See the Dos Hermanos farm in bloom: https://www.ranchocacachilas.com/dos-hermanos#garden-video
- Educational Workshops: https://www.ranchocacachilas.com/education-programs
- Natural History: https://www.ranchocacachilas.com/natural-history#biology-video
- Mountain Biking RC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xeDJoEf0kI
- Bike Pump Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apjtzaEKBCc
- Long Trail (for hiking or running): https://www.ranchocacachilas.com/long-trail#trail-run
- Watershed Management video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXPkt1_uFRI (here's an informational page on watershed management as well: https://www.ranchocacachilas.com/land-management#water-video)
Explore El Trinufo
El Triunfo is a historic mining village located in the La Paz Municipality, roughly 45 minutes from La Ventana. When silver and gold were discovered in the nearby mountains in 1862, miners from around the world arrived to settle in the region. In its heyday in the late 1890s, El Triunfo had a population of over 4,000 people, and was the largest town in Baja California Sur.
- El Triunfo Museo Ruta de Plata (The Silver Route Museum): The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich mining history and settlement of the Cape Region.
- Toto Frito Fish & Chips: Their seafood is "responsibly, sustainably, and legally raised by Earth Ocean Farms and Sol Azul." Plus it's just plain delicious.
Cabo Pulmo
I first learned about Cabo Pulmo from A Reef Reborn, an amazing film I saw at The San Diego Natural History Museum (another awesome place). The film documents how people in the local community worked together with other stakeholders to save and restore the reefs and other sea life of Cabo Pulmo. Cabo Pulmo is located between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz in Baja California, Sur.
- A Brief History of Cabo Pulmo
- A History of Exploitation & Conservation Efforts Today
- Protecting the Ocean in Galapagos and Cabo Pulmo (blog posts): Part One and Part Two
Miscellaneous Links
Budgeting for Your Trip:
- Download the EFT's Study Abroad Budget Guide.
- Budgeting for Study Abroad (from ISEP)
- "Life Lessons Learned on Tour: Money Management"
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Pablo, a marine biologist and Whale Shark and Manta Ray expert (not the SUST 101 professor!), took us out on the water to swim with whale sharks. On the way back into port, a big dolphin pod joined us so we followed them around a bit, too. Both were magical experiences and were enjoyed in the least invasive ways possible, I am happy to say!