Where We Work: Laguna San Ignacio, Baja, Mexico

Laguna San Ignacio is a protected bay off the coast of Baja Sur, California, Mexico. A United Nations World Heritage Site, Laguna San Ignacio is the critical birthing grounds for gray whales and also home to green sea turtles, peregrine falcons, and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. While the environment is rich in diversity and wildlife, the communities that make up Laguna San Ignacio get by with very little. The community depends primarily upon fishing and a short, whale watching, tourism season as their primary means of support. Philanthropiece has partnered with the people of Laguna San Ignacio to develop a more healthy and sustainable community and empower the community to improve their quality of life.

Philanthropiece began working with the community of Laguna San Ignacio in early 2007.  (To learn more about our first experiences in Laguna San Ignacio, click here.) Since that time, our initiatives have expanded exponentially to include:

• Economic Initiatives.
  Philanthropiece provides economic support to small business ventures within the community. Interest collected on the loans is put back into the community through community projects proposed by loan recipients.


• Health Initiatives.
  Philanthropiece provides community members with health-related information, workshops, clinics, and trainings. Recent health topics have included blood pressure monitoring UTI screenings, First Aid and CPR, and women’s health.
  
  
• Education Initiatives.
  Philanthropiece supports the local teachers with programs that supplement and enrich their curriculum. This includes English classes for adults and school children, and an environmental education program. Philanthropiece also provides computer support at the computer lab through ongoing technical training and software.


• Environmental Initiatives.
  Philanthropiece is working closely with Laguna Limpia, a committee of community members who are developing sustainable solutions to waste management.


• Appropriate Technologies Initiatives.
  Philanthropiece continues to maintain and improve upon the solar and wind technologies and eco-toilets installed at the local schools in 2007.