An Educational and Cultural Initiative

turtle research
Our Vision

We envision a future where collaborative research, conservation action, and empowered communities work together to sustain healthy ecosystems and cultural traditions. Through experiential learning, individuals become informed participants in protecting and preserving these vital systems. 

Gallery
teaching
Our Mission

Panterra exists to advance research, conservation, and community-based initiatives that protect ecosystems and support cultural heritage. Through these efforts, we deliver immersive, place-based learning experiences that connect people to the natural world and inspire environmental stewardship.

Gallery
J of G
Our Impact

Panterra creates impact by:
1. Advancing research and conservation
Supporting field-based research and initiatives that protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Strengthening community partnerships
Working alongside local communities to support sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation.
3. Delivering meaningful education 
Offering experiential learning that connects participants to real-world conservation and cultural contexts.  
4. Inspiring stewardship
Fostering long-term awareness, responsibility, and engagement with the natural world.
 

Gallery

Panterra

Discovering Nature and Territorial Identity

blue footed booby
Untitled design (71)
Untitled design (35)
SD2
A Note From the Founder

Panterra was born from a lifetime in the field—exploring the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez.

What began as exploration became a deeper purpose: to create meaningful connections between people and place. These environments are not just destinations—they are living classrooms that inspire understanding, respect, and responsibility.

Today, as Panterra grows into an educational and cultural training society, that purpose guides everything we do. Each experience is designed to go beyond observation—to foster awareness, stewardship, and lasting impact.

By listening deeply and walking alongside communities, we help create the conditions for growth and lasting prosperity.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Lela Sankeralli

Supporting Research, Conservation and Community Initiatives

Panterra

turtle research
Experiential Learning

Panterra expeditions are immersive journeys into the natural and cultural landscapes of Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez. Each experience blends exploration, education, and meaningful connection—inviting you to engage deeply with the environment and local communities. Guided by decades of experience, every journey is rooted in conservation, cultural understanding, and authentic discovery. 

Gallery
Untitled design (36)
Your Support

Panterra’s programs are supported through a combination of earned revenue, strategic partnerships, and contributions from individuals and organizations aligned with our mission. This diversified support model enables the delivery of accessible, high-quality educational programming while advancing conservation awareness and cultural preservation.

Gallery
Untitled design - 2025-08-21T102024.090
Community

Lasting change begins within the communities we work alongside. By partnering with fishermen, ranchers, families, teachers, students, and researchers, we see how conservation and sustainable practices can support both livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on. 

Gallery


Together, we are shaping a future working with communities not only to protect their natural heritage
but also to thrive because of it, ensuring that both people and nature flourish for generations to come.
 

Our Current Team in the Field

Untitled design - 2025-09-02T203653.003
Dr. Meg Berry
Field Archaeologist
Pam Haggarty
Program Administrator
Ramses Orozco
Field Archaeologist
Lela Sankeralli
Logistics
Javier Gaitan Moran
Field Officer

Our Board of Directors

Lela 25
Lela Sankeralli
Executive Director/CEO
JP 24
JP Blanchard
Member At Large
Sharon 24
Sharon Neeves
Honorary Director
Javier 24
Javier Gaitán Morán
Director
Untitled design - 2025-08-24T160006.820
Steve Gormican
Director

Our Initiatives

Panterra

Untitled design - 2025-08-22T195431.919
Past

Our past projects have grown from requests by communities, researchers, and conservationists. We’ve provided medical and dental care to underserved areas, created the Baja Gifts program to deliver essential supplies, and supported research that shaped sustainable tourism while raising awareness about protecting endangered species.  

Gallery
Untitled design - 2025-08-22T204531.925
Present

Our current land-based projects include an international partnership with governments, universities, and organizations to document paleontological and archaeological sites while supporting families in heritage management. We are also advancing a community gardening model that promotes food sovereignty and generates income from surplus produce—expanding an existing program into a replicable template for desert environments. 

Gallery
Untitled design - 2025-08-21T102024.090
Future

In late 2019 and early 2020, we began an ambitious marine research project exploring the rich and interconnected marine environment of a unique region in the Gulf of California. When COVID struck, funding was lost and the project was forced to pause. Today, we are determined to bring it back to life. Reviving this initiative is not just a goal, but a vision—uniting international partners, advancing ocean conservation, and ensuring this extraordinary ecosystem is studied, understood, and protected for generations to come. 

Gallery


Closing Reflections - 40 Years of Experiences

29

Our Library

Untitled design - 2025-04-15T110503.482

Convocation Ceremony

garden2

Our Auditorium

iguana

Our Classrooms

Untitled design - 2025-04-15T110723.979

Our Labs

Untitled design - 2025-04-15T141222.402

Our Campus

Untitled design - 2025-04-15T210322.911

Our Canteen

Untitled design (36)

Our Canteen

J of G

Our Canteen

SD2

Our Canteen

Untitled design - 2025-04-15T210449.587

Trips

Untitled design - 2025-08-20T215909.984

Trips

turtle research

Trips

El Refugio6

Trips

Testimonial

What Client Say's

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in building long-lasting relationships and delivering real results that speak for themselves.

Working with this team was a game-changer for our business. Their insights, strategy, and dedication helped us achieve results we never thought possible.
John Smith CEO
From the initial consultation to project completion, their professionalism and expertise stood out. We felt supported every step of the way.
Charoline Deo Director