CEDO Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans

CEDO, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, is a notable nonprofit organization that facilitates collaboration between Mexican and U.S. non-profit organizations. Its mission revolves around the study, conservation, and sustainable management of the ecosystems in the Sonoran Desert and the Gulf of California.

History

The roots of CEDO date back to the late 1970s, when Carl Hodges, Director of the Environmental Research Laboratory at the University of Arizona, envisioned creating a cooperative Mexican-American research and educational center in the northern Gulf of California. This vision materialized into CEDO in 1980, led initially by Peggy Turk Boyer as its executive director for over 40 years. In 2019, Nélida Barajas Acosta took over as executive director.

Mission and Activities

CEDO's mission is centered on collecting and sharing information about the upper Gulf of California and the surrounding Sonoran Desert with an intercultural public. It focuses on research, education, and conservation through a wide array of programs and activities. These include:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Promoting the conservation of natural ecosystems and resources.
• Fisheries Co-Management: Engaging with communities to manage fisheries sustainably.
• Community Well-being: Enhancing the socio-economic conditions of local communities through nature-based solutions.
• Education and Capacity Building: Providing educational resources and capacity-building initiatives for sustainable livelihoods.

Awards and Recognition

CEDO has received several awards for its contributions:

• 2007 Mexico's National Conservation of Nature Award: Recognized for its 27-year effort to protect the Gulf of California.
• 2010 Human Diversity Award: Acknowledged by the Organization of Biological Field Stations for creating collaborative systems with local communities.

Operations

CEDO operates a full-service field station and educational resource center in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, offering teaching services to resident and non-resident groups. It has earned a 4/4 Star rating from charity evaluators for its efficiency and transparency.

References

CEDO's efforts are well-documented in scientific and environmental forums, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable practices and community engagement in the region.