In the summer of 2007, twenty-one high school students embarked on a conservation initiative to increase the protection and stewardship of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Baja California. Through community education and conservation-based scientific research, these students have increased knowledge about this biodiversity hotspot, provided tools for continued outreach and action, and contributed to the long-term protection of the habitats and species of Bahía de los Angeles, Mexico. The students are part of Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation, a San Diego-based non-profit organization that educates urban youth about science, the ocean and nature, through tuition-free programs, creating the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders.

The Students:
The students attend Hoover High School located in a high-poverty, urban community in central San Diego, California. Students participated as either "mentors" or "mentees". Mentees were younger students, who were English-Learners but fluent in Spanish, and these students were paired with 11th and 12th grade mentors with strong records of achievement. These pairs drew on each student's strengths – with older students helping younger students with academic challenges and younger students acting as Spanish translators between non-Spanish speaking students and scientists and the local community. In preparation for their work in Baja California, each student committed over 100 hours after-school, toward learning to swim and snorkel, studying marine science, and increasing their understanding of environmental threats and protection strategies.

The Site:
Located just 400 miles south of San Diego, Bahía de los Angeles is only a day's drive, but a world away from the students' highly urbanized neighborhood. Bahía de los Angeles, a marine environment of extraordinary biodiversity, is located on the Sea of Cortez.  During the summer the students spent 5 weeks living and working out of a field research station in this unique part of Baja California.

The Projects:
While in Bahía de los Angeles, the students conducted a series of community education and conservation-based scientific research projects. The community education projects were designed by the Aquatic Adventures students in conjunction with local students to create positive change in the community and environment. Project outcomes included creating:

• A marine bird field guide that is being distributed by the museum and schools.
• Educational materials that are being used at the Sea Turtle Research Facility.
• A dolphin exhibit that is viewed daily by visitors to the museum.
• A puppet show, themed around reef conservation, and performed by a local youth group.

The conservation-based scientific research projects were conducted by the students in partnership with scientists form the United States and Mexico. The three projects included:

• A study of affects of marine inputs on terrestrial communities and of bird guano inputs on intertidal communities.
• A study on the community structure of the wetland habitats and their biodiversity.
• A study to develop strategies to reduce sea turtle and shark bycatch in fisheries.

The Future:
The educational materials and research results continue to be used in the local community of Bahía de los Angeles and internationally through scientists, conservation organizations and resource managers. A large number of the 21 students will continue and expand the projects and research in 2008.

Partner Statement

WWF takes a local to global approach to protecting nature in exceptional regions around the world. WWF applauds the BAHIA Conservation Project for providing a dynamic model for a comprehensive and effective local approach to conservation.

This project exemplifies a powerful synthesis of student learning, leadership development, community service, and meaningful conservation on the ground. We congratulate the participants of the BAHIA Conservation Project on its well-earned recognition through receiving the Environmental Excellence Award.