Community, research and wildlife conservation programs in
Baja California Sur and the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Community, research and wildlife conservation programs in
Baja California Sur and the Gulf of California, Mexico.
A Biodiversity, Culture & Climate Change Field Study Program
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
To establish a community-led educational and research program in the Gulf of California and the Baja California Sur Peninsula. To include conservation and monitor systems in our ever-changing environment and through the development of research facilities while maintaining uncompromising principles of sustainability.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
To inspire and foster public awareness and higher education for the protection, conservation, and monitoring of environmental and climatic changes.
Our Impact
Our Mission
Our Impact
Throughout its history, Panterra has demonstrated a grass-roots approach to engaging local community members to include their knowledge, skills, and vision for the community’s future. Through this process Panterra has developed strong relationships at a local level which provides a sustainable model for academic research, community develo
Throughout its history, Panterra has demonstrated a grass-roots approach to engaging local community members to include their knowledge, skills, and vision for the community’s future. Through this process Panterra has developed strong relationships at a local level which provides a sustainable model for academic research, community development, and knowledge mobilization (using academic research to provide educational information to the public).
An Educational and Cultural Initiative
Baja California Sur and the Gulf of California, Mexico
Stakeholders:
Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society, Canada (PECTS)
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS)
Landowners of Isla San José, BCS (ISJ)
Landowners Ceseña/Ejido San Hilario Desert Lands (SHDL)
Areas of Study:
Ceseña/Ejido San Hilario - 1800 hectares - desert studies
Isla San José - 11 km wide in the E/W direction, 31 km in length in the N/S direction and approximately 85 km of coastline - marine studies
Project Goals
Supporting Local Businesses and Community
- To develop sustainable educational and scientific study opportunities on ISJ and CDL.
- To build non-permanent research camps for use in educational and scientific studies.
- To assist local communities with employment opportunities.
- To assist local businesses with unique business opportunities.
- To assist UABCS in developing national and international, collaborative field study research programs surrounding the marine zones of ISJ and the desert terrain of CDL.
- To build local, national and international partnerships in sustainable scientific studies.
- To develop support systems for wildlife conservation on ISJ and CDL.
- To develop collaborative partnerships with government agencies and international organizations.
- To develop study templates to share with other institutions and organizations.
Objectives
Building the Project Infrastructure
We acknowledge and thank the Ejido San Hilario community on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
- To construct, under government permits and landowner permission, several non-permanent research camps to support the research teams and where permitted, to offer educational tourism.
- To work in partnership with the Mexican government and international organizations to develop sustainable higher education and research opportunities. All legal permits and agreements have been obtained from INAH (desert studies) CONANP (marine studies), UABCS and the landowners of ISJ and CDL.
- To provide employment to the local residents of Palma Sola, the only community living on ISJ and the 38 grandchildren (14 currently enrolled in university at UABCS) of CDL.
- To obtain and foster contacts of interest leading to participation with North American universities to build a consortium of local, national and international universities working in conjunction with UABCS.
- To develop conservation programs that can include the local community members. Programs such as sea turtle monitoring.
- To provide public awareness and education on the importance of caring for and protecting our oceans, natural habitats and territorial identity.
Initiatives
Plan of Implementation
- Initiatives will be achieved through alliances, attendance at conferences, assisted start-up funding and building long-term relationships in higher education.
- Proposed Timelines - Based on the recovery of educational institutes post-COVID and taking into account educational institutes will need up to 1 – 2 years for proposals to be reviewed, accepted, implemented and outreach to student participants.
- Year 1 – 2024 - Work with local communities to offer opportunities in both employment and development of research programs. Launch of first research pilot program winter/spring of 2024.
- Year 2 – 2025 - Pilot Programs, establishing a reputation. The second year of research programs and introduction of high school field trips.
- Year 3 – 2026 - Both programs running. Establish a client base and development of long-term relationships and programs. Create an international consortium of collaborative field studies.
- Year 4 – 2027 - Continued growth through the building of additional camps for scientific studies.
Researchers and Projects
Marine
Isla San Jose, Gulf of California
Dr. Jorge Urban R.
UABCS
Cetaceans in population biology, ecology, management and conservation.
The aspects in which we have specialized include: acoustics, genetics, telemetry and pollutants (Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, phthalates (microplastics)
Dr. Lorena Vilora Gomora
UABCS
Cetaceans in population biology, ecology, management and conservation.
The aspects in which we have specialized include: acoustics, genetics, telemetry and pollutants (Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, phthalates (microplastics)Add a description about this item
Dr. Mónica Lara
UABCS
Sea Turtles - Search of footprints, tracks and nests. Tagging juvenile turtles to see what they feed on, and satellite tag to track their migration.
Dr. Georgina Brabata
UABCS
Seabirds and aquatic birds, particularly population ecology and bird community ecology. Study the abundance, distribution, use of the space and temporary island, reproduction of birds and their relationship with environmental variables, as well as relating some of these aspects to the presence of tourists, microplastics and other pollutants, will update and supplement the information that already exists for the island.
Dr. Juan Manuel López-Vivas
UABCS
Marine botany - Project general purpose
Characterization of marine macrophytes of San José Island, characterize the estuary of San José Island, to know the underwater environment between Pardito and San José Island and locating rocky and sandy sites where marine flora is found.
Dr. Alejandro Ramos Rodríguez
UABCS
Biological oceanography
Satellite oceanography
Remote Operated Vehicles for 3D modelling, surveying, or specific measurements of organisms; ecology; climate change; biostatistical analysis
Dr. Leonardo Álvarez Santamaría
UABCS
Physical Oceanography
They are the four areas of oceanography (biological, physical, geological and chemical)
Generate solid oceanographic databases of the region of La Paz-Loreto corridor and the southern GoC to fulfill academic and research goals.
Carlos Armando Sanchez Ortiz
UABCS
Fish and invertebrates of the Gulf of California.
Dr. Hector Reyes-Bonilla
UABCS
The main research topic is the study of the ecology and management of rocky and coral reef ecosystems of the Gulf of California.
The research is not just to study nature, but to also find ways to use it sustainably, and support decision-making, fishery management and conservation.
Lab personnel includes:
2 Postdocs
2 PhD students
4 MSc students
2 undergrads
4 technicians (each assigned to a specific project)
Desert
Baja California Sur and San Hilario, BCS
Dr. Javier Gaitan Moran
Co-Director of Panterra Mexico
Coordinator of field studies in geology, paleontology and archaeology.
Dr. Meg Berry
Canadian Researcher
Archaeologist and Cultural Heritage Management Specialist
Survey and documentaton of newly found and previously unrecorded rock art sites in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Elizabeth Romo-Rabago
Canadian Researcher
Passioned and dedicated environmental educator and impact entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience leading social enterprises, developing, and implementing strategic sustainable programs in Canada and Mexico.
Food security and sovereignty program in San Hilario, BCS, Mexico.
Research Facilities
Marine Camp
110’ Research Vessel
110’ Research Vessel
The camp will be set up on the beach(s) of Isla San Jose. Eight tents, 6 dbl/trp for accommodation (3m x 3m x 2.5 high) plus 1 main tent for dining, presentations and study area for students and 1 tent for food preparation and camp storage. Designed to accommodate up to 12 researchers, students and support staff. The camp will facilitate coastal and shallow water research. As the project grows, additional camp(s) will be added to other beach areas of Isla San Jose. *Educational Tourism and Scientific Studies
110’ Research Vessel
110’ Research Vessel
110’ Research Vessel
Liveaboard vessel, currently being used by Panterra for tourism and school educational expeditions. Accommodations for 16 passengers. The liveaboard vessel will facilitate oceanographic and deep-water marine research.
*Educational Tourism and Scientific Studies
Desert Camp
110’ Research Vessel
Desert Camp
The camp located on the desert terrain 1 km. from the Cesena loncheria. 12 tents, 6 dbl /quads for accommodation (glamping style tents) plus 1 main area for dining, presentations and study area for students and 1 tent for food preparation and camp storage. Designed to accommodate up to 20 researchers, students and tourists. The support staff will overnight at the loncheria. *Educational Tourism and Scientific Studies
Development Guidelines
United Nations Sustainable Development Objectives (SDG):
SDG1. End poverty
SDG3. Healthy living
SDG5. Gender equality
SDG8. Full employment and decent work
SDG10. Reduction of inequality
SDG11. Inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
human cities and settlements
SDG12. Sustainable consumption and production
SDG13. Combat climate change and its effects
SDG14. Sustainable conservation and use of oceans,
seas and marine resources to achieve
sustainable development
SDG15. Sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
combating desertification and loss of biodiversity
SDG16. Promotion of peaceful societies
SDG17. Implementation and revitalization of the Global
Alliance for Sustainable Development.
"A blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030”
The Panterra Team
Lela Sankeralli - Executive Director
Lela Sankeralli - Executive Director
Lela Sankeralli - Executive Director
The story of Panterra began in 1986 in Calgary, Alberta with the simple idea of taking school kids on sailing adventures that combined education and hands-on experience in the marine environment. I was a pioneer of a new industry of educational programming at sea, and did it my own!
The idea was born out of my love for diving and sailing which began with my diving certification at the age of 15. By the time I was 21, I had already become an experienced diver and sailor. I wanted to provide junior and senior high school students with the same impactful, life-changing experiences that I had. From that moment on, I never looked back.
My first visit to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico was in 1978, and was a life-changing experience for me. I fell in love with everything - the people, the land, the sea.
39 years later, I look back on all the failures, successes, and experiences that have brought me to this moment in time.
I have assembled an amazing diversity of friends, colleagues, and past Panterra students (now adults married with kids of their own). A team whose lives were positively impacted by Panterra.
Together we will steer a course paving the way for the next generation of Panterra. A generation that needs everyone on board to do their part in changing the course of humankind in a sustainable direction.
Pam Haggarty - Executive Director
Lela Sankeralli - Executive Director
Lela Sankeralli - Executive Director
Pamela Haggarty is a project management consultant specializing in coordinating large interdisciplinary research projects. With a background in community development and adult education, her strength lies in group facilitation to build capacity for both individuals and communities. For many years Pam has worked collaboratively with First Nation communities throughout Alberta, using Appreciative Inquiry to understand needs and build capacity at the community level.
As Sustainable Communities Team Lead for the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (FNTSAG), providing environmental and solid waste management technical services and training for First Nations in Alberta for almost a decade.
She has been an active member on the National Advisory Committee for the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative 2016-2021 and was appointed to sit on the evaluation advisory committee for this national program.
Pamela has experience as a board director and held the position of secretary and led the communications working group for
over two terms for the Recycling Council of Alberta.
She holds a M.Ed. from the University of Alberta and has over 25 years of experience with adult education and training specializing in supporting students with disabilities in higher education programs.
As a PECTS director, Pam’s focus has been investigating and coordinating grant funding.
Sharon Neeves - Member at Large
Lela Sankeralli - Executive Director
Sharon Neeves - Member at Large
I first met Lela and was introduced to Panterra in 1991. I believed in the philosophy behind Panterra and volunteered wanting to be a part of creating learning opportunities for the next generation of Earthkeepers. The vision Lela had for Panterra paralleled my own values.
Over the years we have built a unique business that gave back to everyone. We have spent decades touching, even changing the lives of those who participated in the Panterra trips for over 3 decades.
35 years later, as I retire from my career, I reflect back on all the adventures and magical moments Panterra has brought to my life.
Javier Gaitán Morán - Director
Javier Gaitán Morán - Director
Sharon Neeves - Member at Large
I received my university degree in Engineering Geology (1975) and later received my Master of Science in Geological Survey Degree (1986) and the candidacy as PhD in Environmental Sciences Degree (2006).
I have lived in La Paz, Baja California Sur (Mexico) for more than 40 years and worked in the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS) as a full-time professor from 1977 to 2019.
As a retired professor in the Earth Sciences Department of UABCS, I have acquired a long expertise in studies and application of geotourism, geological heritage and geoparks.
In 2015, I started a collaboration as Scientific Coordinator in the Aspiring Geopark Huasteca Potosina Project (Mexico) which has the aim to join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN).
I am excited to be part of the Panterra family as director of Panterra Geo Expediciones. Panterra’s objectives and goals are very much aligned with my own values of nature conservation and territorial identity.
Shaw Haggarty - Director
Javier Gaitán Morán - Director
Jean Paul Blanchard - Director
Shawn Haggarty, is married and a father to two successful adult kids. He loves to travel and experience new cultures.
Shawn has been an educator for 34 years with the last ten years serving in the roles of Chief Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources with Elk Island Catholic School in Alberta. He has served in many roles in education field including the role President of the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta. His relationships in the education field and expertise in leadership, management. legislation and policies are an asset.
Shawn graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master in Education Leadership as well as a with a Bachelor of Education. For decades, he coached numerous school sports to the student in the schools of which he was either teacher or school principal. Shawn led student travel clubs an attended Panterra trips sharing with the students the magic of the Sea of Cortez.
Jean Paul Blanchard - Director
Javier Gaitán Morán - Director
Jean Paul Blanchard - Director
I was born and raised in a small town in northern Alberta called Spirit River. While attending high school I was given the opportunity to participate on a Panterra Young Naturalist Expedition to the Sea of Cortez. This would be my first expedition, but certainly not my last.
The impression that this expedition, and the people involved, left on me as a young adult was immeasurable.
Life happened, as it does for most, and it was not until some years later that I was back in contact with Lela. She offered the opportunity to participate in another Young Naturalist expedition as a volunteer, and then again on a couple of Journey of Giving expeditions.
On one Journey of Giving expedition, the purpose was to bring medical/professional services to various remote locations around the Sea of Cortez.
It was on this trip that I spearheaded the construction of a school, which has since become a mainstay in the community, offering education to women and children.
I have since settled with my family in Calgary, and I own and operate a general contracting and construction business, JPAUL Construction. We offer custom construction and maintenance solutions to residential and commercial clients in Calgary and surrounding area, allowing me to use my skills as a journeyman carpenter daily.
It is my dream that my children can grow up with Panterra in their lives and acquire the same appreciation for culture and care of the planet.
Steve Gormican - Member at Large
Steve Gormican - Member at Large
Steve Gormican - Member at Large
I have always had a close relationship with the ocean, spending my youth in Vancouver where I sailed, SCUBA’d and windsurfed.
Upon moving to Sidney in 1989, I had explored most of the Gulf Islands by boat, for work and pleasure. My professional career and training as an oceanographer (B.Sc. and M.Sc. from University of British Columbia) has allowed me to see most of the BC Coast from Sidney to Haida Gwaii by boat, and to be paid for the privilege.
As a consultant, I specialized in water quality, environmental impact assessment and shell fish aquaculture. I was the Chair of the Environmental Technology Program at Camosun College for 7 years and I am still an instructor passing my knowledge along to the next generation of environmentally concerned youth.