An Educational and Cultural Initiative
To create a community-driven model of education, research, and conservation across the Gulf of California and Baja California Sur—protecting the region’s unique ecosystems while fostering sustainability for future generations.
To inspire awareness, strengthen education, and engage communities in the protection and sustainable management of Baja's natural environment. Through outreach, collaborative research, and hands-on learning, we aim to deepen understanding of ecological and climatic changes while promoting lasting conservation solutions.
Panterra’s grassroots approach places local voices at the center of its work. By bridging research with community knowledge, we create lasting partnerships and accessible educational resources that support sustainable development and locally led decision-making.
Panterra
Discovering Nature and Territorial Identity
A Note From the Founder
Our work is rooted in Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), a region of extraordinary ecological diversity and cultural heritage.
The initiatives brings together the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur and Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society in collaboration with international partners, to advance community, conservation and research projects on biodiversity and climate change, while strengthening our connection to land, sea and culture.
Personally, I have spent over 40 years exploring and developing projects in collaborative efforts that unite science, education, and culture. My career mission has been creating multidisciplinary academic programs in partnership with international institutions, the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS) and local communities dedicated to research, conservation and the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources—encompassing geodiversity, biodiversity, history, and traditions, both ancient and contemporary.
By listening deeply and walking alongside communities, we help create the conditions for growth and lasting prosperity.
Lela Sankeralli
Supporting Research, Conservation and Community Initiatives
Panterra
When you travel with us, you become part of something bigger. Each trip is more than an adventure—it directly helps fund our projects. A portion of every journey goes back into supporting the people, wildlife, and ecosystems that make this area so extraordinary. It creates opportunities for livelihoods while protecting fragile environments and cultures.
Many of our donations come from travelers who’ve experienced our conservation and community work firsthand, while others give because they believe in protecting this region’s ecosystems and cultures. Looking ahead, we aim to partner with corporations that share our commitment to sustainability.
Lasting change begins in the heart of local communities. By working hand in hand with fishermen, ranchers, families, teachers, students, and researchers, we’ve seen how conservation and sustainable development can strengthen both livelihoods and ecosystems.
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 Team in the Field
Marine-Based Researchers/Conservationists
Lopez-Vivas
Ramos Rodriguez
Alvarez Santamaria
Reyes Bonilla
Land-Based Researchers/Conservationists
Our Board of Directors
Education and Culture
Our Initiatives
Panterra
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.
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.
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.
Closing Reflections - 40 Years of Experiences
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.