In the western sector of La PazBaja California Sur, extends a natural treasure of 40 hectares known as the "Natural Treasure". Conchalito estuarywhere there is a urban mangrove which is not only vital to the local ecosystem, but has also been adopted by a group of women committed to its protection.
They are the Guardians of the Conchalito, a collective of 12 women who, for years, have made this space their mission: to clean, reforest and monitor the mangrove swamp while educating the community about its importance.
Educational and community ecotourism
What began as an effort of conservationis now being transformed into a project of ecotourism with a different approach. Claudia Reyesone of the members of the Guardianas, explained that the original idea was to offer bird and marine fauna watching tours. However, over time, they decided to expand this proposal and add other attractions.
"It is something totally different. The tourism that the Guardianas want to promote is educational ecotourism," she said. "It's not just going to the site to see the birds or get to know the mangroves, it's educating people, making them aware of why to take care of the mangroves, why to take care of public places, why not to litter, why to bring their pets on a leash, why to be empathetic and sensitive to natural places."
On that basis, they have devised a range of options for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences:
Mangrove Route: This is a guided tour on foot or by kayak to learn about the mangrove ecosystem. On this tour, visitors will learn about the environmental importance of this ecosystem, its restoration, and how the work of the Guardianas has revitalized the area.
Bird watching / Biodiversity trail: It is a tour designed to observe the endemic flora and fauna of the mangrove. The activity is focused on environmental education about key species, their relationship with the marine ecosystem, and their role in sustainability.
Sustainable artisanal aquaculture experience: Within the Ensenada de La Paz, the Guardianas del Conchalito have an oyster farming project underway. Visitors will be able to participate in a day of Japanese oyster aquaculture, while the Guardians explain sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of marine resources.
Events and food fairs: As a complement to the ecotourism offer, the Guardians plan activities related to the promotion of the rich local gastronomy in support of the development of the tours.
Claudia Reyes emphasized that this new approach to ecotourism, the Guardians of Conchalito have received support from organizations such as NOS Sustainable Northwest and the Sustainable Tourism NetworkThey have provided them with training and advice to carry out their tourism project.
El Conchalito, a place with a lot of meaning
Reyes reiterated that what they are looking for is community-based tourism in which the history of the place and its deep meaning for the families of the area are shared. El Manglitothe neighborhood that surrounds this mangrove swamp.
"What we offer is community tourism, the story of us, the story of the place, of who we are, why we came here, why we find meaning in this place, why it is important for us to educate people and that they also become familiar with the space, because for us it is important that they do too," she said.
Although the formal project has not yet begun, the Guardianas have already received small groups of tourists as trials to refine their offerings with the feedback and suggestions they leave.
The importance of mangroves
Claudia Reyes argued that this project of educational ecotourism will be very important to raise awareness of mangrove care. For El Manglitothe mangrove forest of the Conchalito The clean and healthy fish nursery is of great importance because it is the main fish nursery of the Ensenada de La Paz and when they grow up they are the ones who take to their tables
"It is important for everyone, as fishing families and as inhabitants of El Manglito, to get involved in these issues so that they value what we have and take care of it," he said.
Reyes called on the women of the fishing communities to dare to undertake and create projects. He also urged the organizations to listen to the concerns of local women and support them in the protection of natural resources.
Source: NOS Sustainable Northwest
