Restore Nature. Protect the Future.

Biodiversity Restoration and Regenerative Development with Local Communities in Mexico.

Degradation of nature and rampant development are afflicting many countries around the world. But how can we get ahead of this problem and build new models of development? This is the central question the Sierra A Mar initiative has set out to tackle. We believe the answer lies in co-designing solutions and building programs from the ground up, with communities and stakeholders working towards one united goal. PLANNING must be supported by DOING, so we can learn, refine, and grow our impact. In Costalegre, a 100km stretch of coastline in Jalisco, Mexico, we found conditions that inspired us. Here, the desire to build a regenerative, nature-based future is shared by communities, developers, government entities, academia, and private investors.

Regeneration of forests, estuaries, and coastal marine areas of Jalisco will restore biodiversity, increase carbon capture, and improve climate change resilience. It will improve the quality of life and build prosperity through the benefits of a blue/green economy.

Through Sierra A Mar we can create replicable models for coastal communities around the world.

The Sierra A Mar Vision

The future we want to see.

A united vision for the region

The story of Sierra A Mar in Costalegre begins with a vision and a sense of responsibility. From small beginnings, a powerful initiative was born, taking us toward a much greater challenge: how to create systemic change that will change the trajectory of the coast.

Community-based conservation

Building capacity within the local communities.

The key to success lies in the people that take care of the land and the resources. A sustainable future cannot be built without deep understanding and commitment by the community.

Ridge to Reef planning:

Respecting interconnected systems

Bringing together all layers of society to build, educate, and innovate solutions that restore nature and resources, and create an equitable future.

A strategic plan of action

Defining the components

A regional strategy is an undertaking of immense proportions. To move from planning to action we break it down into clearly defined sectors that each require different approaches, timelines, and investments. We focus on tangible work on the ground, to create momentum and build progress.

Featured Projects

Chalacatepec Lagoon Restoration

Working with the fishing community and agencies on strategic actions that will restore hydrology, improve shrimp and fish production, and develop ecotourism potential. READ MORE

Chamela Bay Fisheries Refuge

Assisting the Chamela Fishing Cooperative with their goal to establish a community-run fisheries refuge at the southern end of Chamela Bay. This will be the first fisheries refuge on the Jalisco coast. READ MORE

Other Projects