"Business Leaders, Academics, and Activists Reaffirm Their Commitment to the Conservation of the Gulf of California"

The “Gala Azul” brought together leaders from various sectors at the Cárcamo Museum in Chapultepec to strengthen strategies for protection and sustainable development in the region. 

The Cárcamo Museum in Chapultepec served as the venue for the “Gala Azul,” an event organized by Fundación Coppel and BDT&MSD that gathered business leaders, academics, authorities, and activists with the aim of reinforcing conservation efforts in the Sea of Cortez. During the event, key initiatives were presented for the protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of coastal communities. 

In his opening speech, Agustín Coppel Luken highlighted the importance of the event as a meeting point to promote collective commitment to the region: 

“Welcome to the Gala Azul. A night dedicated to celebrating the connection between species, ecosystems, and human wills that intertwine to protect the future of the Gulf of California. It is an honor to share this space with you, who believe in the importance of protecting our communities and ecosystems for future generations.” 

Among the projects presented, the reintroduction of the California condor in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir stood out, as well as the “Marine Prosperity Areas” initiative, promoted by researcher Octavio Aburto from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This proposal seeks to create ten conservation areas over the next ten years, impacting 100 communities and integrating a model of participatory governance and sustainable development. Aburto explained: 

“Our model of Marine Prosperity Areas addresses this challenge, demonstrating that it is possible to improve human well-being while awaiting ecological recovery. If we strategically align restoration efforts, both communities and ecosystems can thrive.” 

In his speech, Coppel Luken emphasized the need to adopt a balanced approach between economic development and environmental conservation: 

“The Gulf of California is one of the richest regions in biodiversity in the world, but it is also home to communities struggling with poverty. Thousands of families depend on fishing, tourism, and marine resources for their livelihood. However, except for some admirable and recognized exceptions, overexploitation, improper use, pollution, and lack of planning prevail, which has put the natural ecosystem, its well-being, and the economic potential of the region at risk.” 

The forum also promoted the “Sharks” exhibition, whose display at the Museum of Natural History in Mexico City was the starting point for a traveling exhibition throughout the country. Additionally, the Conservation Leadership Program was discussed, designed to train young people from coastal communities in the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems. 

Coppel concluded his message with a reflection on the challenges and opportunities in conservation: 

“Economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability are not opposing concepts but complementary. There is no prosperity in an economy that devours itself and does not respect nature. In global markets, consumers seek sustainable products. Investments bet only on responsible companies. Those who understand this and act accordingly will surely have a place in tomorrow’s economy.”

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https://celsiustalks.com/ciencia-tecnologia/empresarios-academicos-y-activistas-reafirman-su-compromiso-con-la-conservacion-del-golfo-de-california/