Centro Intercultural de Estudios de Desiertos y Océanos Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans

CEDO, A.C. CEDO, Inc.

Apartado Postal #53 P.O. Box 44208
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México C.P. 83550 2003
14 February, Tucson, AZ , USA 85733-44208
Teléfono y FAX: 06-382-0113, 0115 Telephone /FAX: 520-320-5473
info@cedointercultural.org info@cedointercultural.org

9 September 2010
PRESS RELEASE

A Great Celebration of Puerto Peñasco

30 Years Conserving Nature

 The Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, better known as CEDO, is a non-profit, bi-national
organization based in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, celebrating 30 years of continuous work in conservation and
education. In its research projects, CEDO has collaborated with prestigious Mexican institutions such as CIBNOR,
UABC, CICESE and INAPESCA, and in the United Status, with the University of Arizona, the University of
California/Santa Cruz, and NOAA, and others. In its 30 years, CEDO has accomplished much, including helping
establish the Biosphere Reserves of the Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar and of the Alto Golfo de California and
Colorado River Delta, as well as working with species in danger of extinction such as the vaquita marina porpoise,
the least tern and the Sonoran Pronghorn Antelope.

 For these accomplishments, CEDO received Mexico’s National Conservation Award for 2007, awarded to non-
governmental organizations by CONANP (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas) of SEMARNAT
(Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales); and recently CEDO received the 2009 Environmental
Education Award from the Center for Education and Training for Sustainable Development from SEMARNAT. And
on September 23, 2010, CEDO will receive the Human Diversity in Field Sciences award from the Organization for
Biological Field Stations (OBFS).
 CEDO is known throughout Mexico and the World for its leadership in conservation in the Northern Gulf of
California, but even more significantly, for its commitment to local communities to help find sustainable ways to
use and develop their natural resources. Today, CEDO is working with about 135 coastal fishing cooperatives in
eight communities; involving more than 150 people in the sustainable use of the coastal zone; and in the last tour
years, CEDO’s Environmental Education program has reached more than 4,000 students in seven communities in
northern Sonora. In addition, its traditional natural history talks have reached many thousands of tourists visiting
the region, giving them insight into the nature of the region. Over these 30 years, CEDO’s programs have touched
hundreds of thousands of people.
 The ecotourism corridor “NaturArte”, created by CEDO, is a good example of a sustainable development Project
whose great potential as alternative tourism is receiving attention on the local, national and international levels.
Its goal is to promote ecotourism, develop small businesses with cooperatives and other community groups, with a
vision of sustainability to minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem. Today, the tourist market is looking for
responsible environmental businesses. Puerto Peñasco has an excellent opportunity to become a leader in this
quest through the NaturArte program. We invite you to the NaturArte Festival on October 9th, and other events
celebrating CEDO’s 30th anniversary. Details about these events will follow shortly.
 Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in CEDO’s 30th Anniversary Campaign – take advantage of the
promotional packets and become a sponsor, and even better, participate in these three planned events.
 CEDO thanks the community of Puerto Peñasco for its support and participation in the celebration of its 30 years
of conservation work, and above all, for accompanying us on this road to sustainability. Working for conservation
and sustainable use of resources requires the participation of everyone.

For more information: in the US, contact Sherie Steele, CEDO Development and Communication Assistant,
520-320-5473 or email sherie@cedointercultural.org; In Mexico, contact Reynaldo Nava, CEDO NaturArte and
Sustainable Tourism Assistant at 638-382-0113 or email rey@cedointercultural.org.

Anna Varney Recommendation Letter P. 2