Celebrating World Oceans Day with young scientists in Pérula

This year, students participating in the international program Científicos de la Basura (Litter Scientists Network), in collaboration with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, are implementing the project “Viajeros del Oceano” (Ocean Travelers), a study of the marine organisms that colonize marine trash that washes up along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. From bryozoans to gooseneck barnacles (a culinary specialty!), there is a whole world of creatures - called epibionts - that specialize in attaching themselves to and growing on structures in the ocean. Anything in the ocean, from sea turtles and whales, to boats and piers, to floating plastic - is potential habitat for these creatures. 

Students from the Telesecundaría Luis García de Quevedo in Punta Pérula are implementing rigorous methodology to compare results with other school groups internationally. After collecting debris on the beach, students separated, categorized and classified the trash and any epibionts found on the items. Those items with epibionts will next be sent to the Universidad del Mar Marine Invertebrate Laboratory in Oaxaca for further analysis. 

Why does it matter? Floating trash can become a vector, transporting invasive species to new ecosystems and upsetting the previously established balance of life. This has serious economic impacts - the estimated total cost of invasive species worldwide is $1.288 trillion over the past 50 years (National Invasive Species Information Center).

Marine debris colonized by bryozoans, the most common type of epibiont found in this study.

The presence of epibionts is also a clear indicator that the debris have spent an extended period of time at sea. This tells us a lot about ocean currents and the origins of beach trash. Previous studies done through the Litter Scientists Network have shown that along the coast of Mexico, less than 10% of litter on the beach comes from other places.

Conversely, in Central American countries such as Nicaragua, over 50% of the trash is transported from other countries and deposited by marine currents. Our preliminary results back up these findings, with just a small portion of our samples colonized by epibionts. This is actually positive news for Mexico; because the litter on our beaches is mostly local, cleaning up our beaches is very much in our hands! 

A sea turtle found on a beach north of Pérula with a plastic ring around its neck, reminding us all of what’s at stake if we don’t implement solutions to plastic pollution. Photo credit: Israel Llamas González 

Based on the findings of their scientific investigation, students are then challenged to design and implement prevention and mitigation projects to reduce pollution in their community. Previous participants created and distributed educational brochures, created Tiktok videos about overconsumption, taught a class on recycling to 4th-6th graders, created and installed receptacles for cigarette butts, and built a recycling container from plastic bottles. What will this year’s participants come up with?

Antes de que llegue la lluvia

Sembrando la cultura de prevención en Costalegre

English version below.

Si paseas una tarde cualquiera de mayo por una de las doce comunidades donde trabaja la Fundación Careyes, podrías encontrarte con un grupo de niños sentados en silencio, mirando con atención la pantalla improvisada en el salón comunal. En la pantalla, un video muestra cómo preparar un botiquín de emergencia. Verías como un niño levanta la mano y afirma con seguridad: “Mi abuela no sabía eso. Se lo voy a enseñar cuando llegue a casa.”

Ese momento, simple pero poderoso, resume el espíritu de nuestras Pláticas de Respuesta a Desastres.

Cada año, en coordinación con líderes comunitarios y docentes locales, llevamos a cabo una serie de talleres en las comunidades de la Costalegre. Adaptamos el contenido según la realidad de cada localidad: algunas sufren inundaciones, otras enfrentan tormentas tropicales o incluso huracanes. A través de materiales audiovisuales accesibles —como videos prácticos y películas con mensajes afines—, niños, jóvenes y adultos aprenden no sólo a prepararse, sino a responder con calma y claridad ante lo inesperado.

Hablamos de cómo armar un botiquín de primeros auxilios, qué hacer (y qué no hacer) en caso de tormenta, cómo cuidar a los más vulnerables, y cómo organizarse en comunidad cuando la naturaleza impone su fuerza. Al final de cada video, hacemos preguntas sencillas para que cada participante no solo recuerde, sino incorpore el conocimiento.

Lo que parecía una charla más, se ha convertido en algo más profundo: una red viva de cuidado mutuo. Escuchar a niños explicar con entusiasmo qué hacer si se corta la luz o cómo proteger a sus mascotas durante una tormenta nos confirma que estamos sembrando algo duradero. Más allá de la prevención, estamos cultivando confianza, autoestima, y sobre todo, comunidad.

Porque la educación en prevención no se trata solo de sobrevivir. Se trata de vivir con dignidad y conciencia, de saber que incluso los más pequeños pueden ser protagonistas del cambio.

En Careyes, el arte, la naturaleza y la comunidad se entrelazan. Pero también, la prevención. Y este tejido necesita de todos. Tu apoyo nos permite continuar llevando estos conocimientos a más rincones de la Costalegre, sembrando seguridad donde antes había incertidumbre, y esperanza donde antes solo había riesgo.

Hoy, tú también puedes ayudar.

Todos —sin importar dónde vivamos— estamos expuestos a los efectos del cambio climático y los desastres naturales. Pero en la Costaalegre, muchas comunidades aún no tienen las herramientas básicas para protegerse.

Dona hoy y forma parte del programa de formación en prevención de desastres que transforma la vida de niñas, niños y familias enteras, o escríbenos para conocer cómo participar, involucrarte o colaborar con este esfuerzo colectivo.

La preparación salva vidas. La comunidad las transforma.

Before the storm hits

Planting the seeds of preparedness in Costalegre

If you take a walk on an ordinary May afternoon through one of the twelve communities where the Careyes Foundation works, you might come across a group of children sitting quietly, eyes fixed on an improvised screen in the community hall. On the screen, a video shows how to prepare an emergency kit. You’d see a child raise his hand and confidently say, “My grandma didn’t know that. I’m going to teach her when I get home.”

That simple yet powerful moment captures the spirit of our Disaster Preparedness Talks.

Every year, in coordination with local leaders and educators, we organize a series of workshops throughout the Costalegre. The content is tailored to each community’s reality. Some are vulnerable to flooding, while others are vulnerable to tropical storms or hurricanes. Through engaging and accessible audiovisual materials, including short videos and carefully selected films, we teach children, youth, and adults not only how to prepare but also how to respond with clarity and calm in moments of crisis.

We cover how to build a basic first-aid kit, what to do (and not do) during a storm, how to care for vulnerable family members, and how to organize as a community when nature asserts its strength. At the end of each video, we ask a few simple questions, turning passive watching into active learning.

What started as just another educational session has grown into something more profound: a living network of mutual care. Hearing children explain how to stay safe in the event of a power outage or how to protect pets during a hurricane confirms that we are planting something lasting. More than prevention, we are nurturing confidence, awareness, and, most importantly, community.

Disaster preparedness is not just about surviving; it’s about living with dignity and knowing that even the youngest voices can lead the way toward resilience.

Here in Careyes, art, nature, and community are deeply intertwined. And now, so is prevention. However, this work requires the collective effort of all of us. Your support enables us to share this vital knowledge with more families across the region, planting safety where once there was uncertainty and hope where there was risk.

You Can Be Part of This Effort

Regardless of where we live, we are all exposed to the growing risks of climate change and natural disasters.

But in the Costalegre region, many communities still lack access to the most basic tools for protection.

Donate today and support the expansion of our disaster preparedness program—empowering children and families with the knowledge that could save lives.

Or reach out to learn how you can get involved, volunteer, or collaborate with this growing movement of care and education.

Preparedness saves lives. Community transforms them.

Uncovering Hidden Wings

A memorable discovery on the Cuixmala River

Bird education in the field isn’t always about high-tech gear. Sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences happen when you return to the basics—binoculars, a bird guide, and the wonder of nature.

Last week, on one of our monthly outings with our local Birding Club, part of the Careyes Foundation’s Environmental Education Program, we set out along the Cuixmala River with a group of eager young birders. This time, our Environmental Education Coordinator had—once again—forgotten the camera with the powerful zoom lens donated by the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. But as any seasoned birder will tell you, the days you leave your camera behind are often the days nature delivers her greatest surprises.

“Remember the last time you forgot the camera? We saw 50 species!” laughed Oswaldo, one of our most enthusiastic students.

The wetlands were teeming with life. Despite it being the dry season in the Costalegre, the river’s edges were alive with a rainbow of species: Roseate Spoonbills glowing pink in the morning sun, stealthy Green Herons, elegant Black-Necked Stilts, and clusters of snowy White Egrets. Among them danced one of my personal favorites, the Jacana Norteña, comical with their oversized feet—both adults and juveniles in view.

Just as we were wrapping up, we noticed something strange skulking at the edge of the river: a low, squat bird with a stiff upright tail. “That’s not in our bird guide!” I said, pulling out the Merlin Bird ID app. It wasn’t a gallinule, as I first guessed. The mystery deepened—until we found it in the virtual guide: a Sora (Porzana carolina), a migratory bird in the elusive rail family.

Picture by Sergio Rivero Beneitez

Oswaldo looked crestfallen. He’s been religiously checking off every bird in our quick guide, and was dissapointed that this new species didn't mean a new checkbox ticked. “You’ll have to remake this guide!” joked Isamar.

We tried to record our sighting on eBird, but a popup told us this species hadn’t been reported in the area before. We needed proof. Without the zoom lens, we did the next best thing. We aimed our phones into the binoculars and snapped a few blurry but recognizable photos. Fuzzy or not, they were enough.

A few days later, we received an email from an eBird verifier:

"Your observation has been accepted and is now an important part of the overall picture for this species… A report from an odd location (like a seasonal stream bed) benefits from the photo. Again, thanks for being an eBirder."

Moments like these are powerful reminders of why environmental education matters. Through the Careyes Foundation’s hands-on programs, young people from our local communities are becoming skilled naturalists, citizen scientists, and passionate protectors of biodiversity. They are not only learning to observe—they are contributing to global knowledge and conservation efforts.

Help Us Keep the Wings in Flight

This work is only possible thanks to the support of donors and partners like you. Your contribution helps us provide equipment, training, and transformative experiences to the next generation of environmental leaders in Costalegre.

👉 Support our Environmental Education Program today. Help young birders like Oswaldo and Isamar make more discoveries—and protect the natural wonders of our region.

Donate Now

SUEÑXS

Eduardo Sarabia at the Careyes Foundation

December 2024 /May 2025

Set between the jungle and the sea, SUEÑXS invited us into a space where memory, imagination, and play converge. The exhibition by Mexican-American artist Eduardo Sarabia, presented at the Careyes Foundation from December 2024 to May 2025, emerged from a residency rooted in place; attentive to the landscape, the stories it holds, and the communities that inhabit it.

During his time in Careyes, Sarabia developed a show that draws from dreams as portals to the symbolic. His sculptural language — playful, precise, and rich in cultural resonance — unfolded in a gallery nestled in the heart of the Pacific coast. Through crowns, navigation charts, floral apparitions, and silver-toned fish moving in circular formations, the exhibition traced a cosmology both personal and collective.

SUEÑXS extended beyond the gallery walls

The project included a series of workshops with children from the nearby communities of Arroyo Seco and Chamela. More than 40 young participants explored drawing, objects, and stories alongside the artist. The workshops took place in classrooms and open-air settings, allowing for a playful and intuitive approach to artistic expression, grounded in the environment that surrounds them.

For many of the children, it was a first encounter with contemporary art. One framed not as theory but as experience: tactile, open-ended, and collaborative. For Sarabia, it was a way of expanding his practice in conversation with local voices and rhythms.

As Lorena Peña Brito writes in the curatorial text: “Dreaming is accessing another dimension… a portal to memory, to what was real in the world of our bodies, and to what we made real through imagination.”

At Careyes Foundation, we view art as a vital part of community life, not a separate world, but one that touches education, culture, and the way we see ourselves. SUEÑXS embodied that vision: an exhibition as encounter, and a residency as shared process.

We thank Eduardo Sarabia for his generous contribution to this chapter of our Art Program, and to all who made it possible.

If you believe in the role of art as a tool for connection, growth, and imagination, we invite you to support our work. Your donation helps bring meaningful artistic experiences to children in the Costalegre region — where the need is great, and the impact is lasting.

Cuidemos nuestra comunidad con la Fundación Careyes

Ser filantrópico es elegir ser parte de nuestra comunidad.

English version below.

Vivimos en un mundo marcado por contradicciones profundas: avances tecnológicos sin precedentes y desigualdades abismales, interconexión global y aislamiento emocional, abundancia material para unos pocos y carencia básica para muchos. La filantropía es una acción generosa, una postura ética radical frente a los desafíos de nuestra era. Ser filantrópico hoy es elegir, con conciencia y responsabilidad, pertenecer activamente a la humanidad.

La filantropía es una virtud que nos llama a mirar más allá de nosotros mismos: implica reconocer al otro como un igual en dignidad, aunque las circunstancias lo hayan empujado al margen. Ser filantrópico es ser capaz de conmoverse y actuar en compromiso con la justicia.

Clases de coro para los niños de la región.

Dar, en este momento histórico, tiene una carga distinta. La pandemia, las crisis migratorias, la emergencia climática, los conflictos bélicos y la polarización ideológica han agrietado muchas de nuestras certezas. En este escenario, la filantropía es un ejercicio de reparación y corresponsabilidad y reconocer que nuestra tarea es ayudar a recomponerlo.

En sociedades anestesiadas por la indiferencia, practicar la filantropía es una manera de decir: “me importa”. Y ese “me importa” no es una emoción pasajera, sino una decisión sostenida que se traduce en tiempo, recursos, escucha, solidaridad.

Preguntémonos entonces: ¿qué historia quiero contar con mi vida? ¿Qué huella deseo dejar? Esta reflexión adquiere un significado aún más profundo cuando se sitúa en un territorio como la Costa Alegre de Jalisco, una región de extraordinaria belleza natural y cultural, pero también de profundas desigualdades. Aquí, en medio de selvas costeras, playas prístinas y comunidades resilientes, la Fundación Careyes emerge como un puente entre dos mundos: el del privilegio global y el de las realidades locales.

En Careyes, invertir en educación, arte, conservación y desarrollo comunitario es una afirmación de que el paraíso natural solo tiene sentido si es también un hogar digno para todos.

Desde este rincón del mundo, dar adquiere rostro, nombre y urgencia. La filantropía se convierte en un acto de reciprocidad: quienes llegan a disfrutar la riqueza natural de esta costa pueden también sembrar futuro, esperanza y justicia. Ser filantrópico hoy, desde cualquier parte del mundo especialmente desde lugares de contraste como la Costa Alegre, es reconocer que tenemos algo que ofrecer y mucho por aprender. Es elegir pertenecer, cuidar, sembrar.

Caminemos juntos.

Dona hoy.

English version:

Let’s care for our community with the Careyes Foundation

To be philanthropic is to choose to be part of our community.

We live in a world full of deep contradictions: unprecedented technological advances alongside extreme inequality, global interconnection paired with emotional isolation, material abundance for a few and basic scarcity for many. Philanthropy is a generous act—an ethical stance in the face of the challenges of our time. To be philanthropic today is to consciously and responsibly choose to belong to humanity in an active way.

Philanthropy invites us to look beyond ourselves. It means recognizing others as equals in dignity, even if life’s circumstances have pushed them to the margins. To be philanthropic is to feel moved—and to turn that feeling into a commitment to justice.

To give in this moment in history carries a unique weight. The pandemic, migration crises, climate emergency, armed conflicts, and ideological polarization have shaken many of our certainties. In this context, philanthropy becomes an act of repair and shared responsibility—a way of acknowledging our role in helping to restore what has been broken.

In societies numbed by indifference, practicing philanthropy is a way of saying, “I care.” And that “I care” is not just a passing feeling—it’s a sustained decision, one that is expressed through time, resources, attention, and solidarity.

So let’s ask ourselves: What story do I want my life to tell? What legacy do I want to leave behind? These questions gain even more meaning in a place like Costa Alegre, Jalisco—a region of extraordinary natural and cultural beauty, yet marked by deep inequalities. Here, among coastal jungles, pristine beaches, and resilient communities, the Careyes Foundation acts as a bridge between two worlds: global privilege and local realities.

In Careyes, investing in education, the arts, conservation, and community development is a way of affirming that paradise only makes sense when it is also a dignified home for all.

From this corner of the world, giving becomes personal—urgent, human, and real. Philanthropy becomes a reciprocal act: those who come to enjoy this coastline’s natural beauty can also help plant the seeds of a brighter, fairer future. To be philanthropic today, especially from places of contrast like Costa Alegre, is to recognize that we have something to offer—and much to learn. It is to choose to belong, to care, to plant.

Let’s walk this path together.

Donate today.

Building a brighter future

Let’s take action into protecting childhood

In childhood we learn to connect with others, express ourselves and understand the world around us. During those early years, we begin to shape our identities and accumulate the experiences that will stay with us forever — in our families, in school, and in our communities. 

Through our programs, our work in the Careyes Foundation has impacted the Costalegre community, and its children, by bringing quality education and opportunities to the region. Many children face challenges that limit their access to quality education, health, safety and emotional support, and it is our mission to ensure that every child can dream big and live with dignity.  

We recognize that the quality of a child’s present shapes the strength of their future. That’s why, for over a decade, we’ve been committed to nurturing the potential of more than 1,000 children across 12 communities in the Costalegre region. Through our four core pillars — education, environmental awareness, artistic exploration, and community development — we offer consistent, long-term programs that give children tools for a more empowered life.

But today, Children’s Day, is more than a celebration of childhood — it’s a moment to reflect.

Think about your own childhood. Who encouraged your curiosity? Who opened doors for you? Who made you feel safe to dream? Now imagine what it would mean to pass those same opportunities on to a child growing up in Careyes — to be that someone.

Because when we invest in children, we aren’t just giving — we’re planting seeds. Seeds of creativity, compassion, critical thinking, and resilience.

On this Children’s Day, let’s not just celebrate childhood — let’s protect it, empower it, and honor it with action.

Be part of this mission.
Your donation or time as a volunteer can help transform a life — and in doing so, safeguard the future of this extraordinary region. Donate today or contact us to begin transforming the lives of children in the Costalegre region.

¡Cada gol cuenta!

Apoya a la comunidad de Costalegre en el Torneo de Polo de Agua Alta

Fotografía de Rebecca Foltz

Este 2025, queremos que cada gol en el Torneo de Polo de Agua Alta se convierta en una oportunidad real de cambio para las 12 comunidades que acompaña la Fundación Careyes. Con tus donaciones, cada gol podrá transformar la comunidad de Costalegre.

Durante partidos seleccionados del torneo, donantes se comprometerán a aportar $500 USD por cada gol anotado. ¿Lo mejor? Cada donante podrá elegir cómo quiere sumarse:

• Apoyando todos los goles de un equipo,

• Patrocinando a un jugador en particular,

• O simplemente diciendo: “Yo dono por ese gol.”

Este gesto simple, poderoso y profundamente simbólico, será un nuevo puente entre la pasión por el deporte y el deseo genuino de dejar huella en la comunidad de Costalegre.

Fotografía de Rebecca Foltz

Sé parte de la comunidad

Careyes es un lugar hermoso, su comunidad es vibrante y está llena de historia, biodiversidad y talento entre sus habitantes. Tus aportaciones beneficiaran los programas de la Fundación Careyes que desde 2013 ha apoyado a la comunidad con talleres de ciencia y clases de inglés para niños y jóvenes, fomento de protección de especies en peligro, gestión de residencias artísticas que conectan y posicionan a la comunidad y la gente de Careyes en el panorama global.

Entre nuestras causas están aquellas que promueven dentro de la comunidad una educación ambiental para la conservación de los ecosistemas de Costalegre, el desarrollo comunitario para crear nuevas oportunidades para los habitantes de Careyes.

Nuestra meta

Aunque hemos llegado lejos, no podemos hacerlo solos. Buscamos recaudar al menos $10,000 USD para seguir sosteniendo y ampliando nuestros programas.

¡Haz que tu pasión por el polo deje una huella en la comunidad!

Contáctanos y participa patrocinando un gol, un equipo o un jugador, o donando directamente a la Fundación Careyes.

Protecting Paradise

How Careyes Foundation Tackles Marine Trash and Microplastics

The vibrant shores of Mexico’s Costalegre region are renowned for their beauty, but like beaches worldwide, they face a pressing challenge—marine trash and microplastics. The Careyes Foundation is taking bold strides to address this issue, combining community engagement, environmental education, and hands-on research to create lasting solutions.

Restoring Beauty, Protecting Wildlife

Since its foundation in 2013, the Careyes Foundation has organized community clean-ups all along the coast to conserve our beaches, waterways and marine life. In 2024, we led a series of impactful cleanups with 118 dedicated participants, removing over 550 kg of trash from beaches, the ocean floor, and the Cuixmala River.

We partner with Gilles Fortin, dive shop owner and avid conservationist, as well as local divers, to remove trash from the Chamela Bay sea floor. River cleanups are also key to tackling marine debris as over 80% of marine trash comes from land, often delivered by creeks and rivers.

Last year we painted and installed over 40 signs with local kids, inviting visitors to respect these public spaces. In particular we observed a significant reduction of dumping along the Cuixmala River. These cleanups not only restore the natural beauty of the area and engage locals in environmental protection, but also protect marine life from the dangers of plastic waste and reduce future microplastics.

“Do not pollute the planet. Recycle.”

“Turtles need your help.”

Inspiring Young Conservationists

Education is at the heart of the Careyes Foundation’s mission. Through our programs "Sea Turtle Guardians" and "Meet the Birds of the Costalegre," 4th, 5th and 6th-grade students of 12 local communities connect with charismatic native species, fostering a love for nature. After participating in these programs, kids are more likely to say they will reject poached sea turtle eggs and parrots!

They are also much more likely to say that they can make a difference by educating others. By teaching children about the importance of conservation—such as not littering and refraining from purchasing endangered species or their eggs—the Foundation empowers future generations to be stewards of their environment and champion against litter. 

Last year, we also engaged a group of high school students in the conservation of sea turtles and their habitat by hosting an overnight patrol and campout at Teopa Beach Sanctuary. These students then shared their learning with their communities through elementary school workshops, a community mural, a beach clean-up and conservation sign installation.

Science in Action: The Litter Scientists Network

For the past two years, the Careyes Foundation has implemented the Litter Scientists Network, an international hands-on research and community engagement program. In December, we hosted an inspiring talk by founder Dr. Martin Thiel.

Middle school students in Punta Pérula apply rigorous methodology to study the composition and source of marine waste before designing and executing mitigation and prevention projects. This initiative not only builds scientific literacy but also inspires young leaders to take responsibility for their environment. Last year, students presented their results to peers across the continent at the virtual Latin American School Congress I.

Through this project, the Careyes Foundation helped the school swap its use of disposable plates and cups for reusable alternatives, greatly reducing their non-recyclable waste. Check out the results from the 2023 study “In search of the origin of plastic bottles” here! 

A Cleaner Future for Costalegre

The Careyes Foundation’s multi-faceted approach—uniting cleanup efforts, environmental education, and community-led research—proves that meaningful change is possible. By cultivating a deep respect for nature, we are protecting Costalegre’s shores today and for future generations. Reach out to us to find out about our upcoming events and how to get involved!

From student to teacher: Meet Victoria and her story at Careyes Foundation

In a corner of Costalegre, where the Pacific touches the shore, a story of learning and returning unfolds in the classrooms of Careyes Foundation. This is the story of Victoria, who was once a student in our English for Children Program and has now returned as a teacher, driven by the belief that education is a bridge between dreams and reality.

Victoria fondly remembers her days as a student at the foundation:

"I have very fond memories of the teachers and the programs the foundation offers. For example, I had fun learning with Teacher Sara; she was always very dynamic and engaging in her teaching. We also eagerly awaited opportunities to participate in sea turtle releases."

For her, those moments were more than just grammar and vocabulary lessons; they were experiences that opened up a world of possibilities.

The decision to become a teacher came naturally. When she had the opportunity to teach at a middle school in Emiliano Zapata to practice her English, she discovered the joy of teaching.

"I realized that I loved working with children. Every day, my motivation is to keep moving forward, but at some point, I understood that it wasn't just about me—it was about so many little individuals whose lives I could brighten".

Now, from the other side of the classroom, she sees the difference between being a student and a teacher.

"As a student, all you have to do is pay attention and participate. But as a teacher, there's much more dedication involved. You have to ensure that children learn without getting bored, that the topics are engaging and dynamic, and, most importantly, that they understand the value of hard work and dedication."

Her experience at the foundation has inspired her to create a lively learning environment where English is taught with enthusiasm.

Every day, Victoria plays a crucial role in a program that impacts the lives of about one hundred children, each with their own unique story.

"They are the future, and as teachers, families, and community members, it is our responsibility to ensure they grow up with hope and opportunities."

For her, education in communities is a shared responsibility and essential for healthy, hopeful development. Her message to those who dream of teaching or working in community support programs is clear:

"Fight for what you want and dream of, especially if it means helping others in a healthy and prosperous environment. When faced with negativity, don't let it bring you down—let it make you stronger and more determined to move forward. Never let your fears take the place of your dreams."

For us, this story serves as a reminder that education transforms not only those who receive it but also those who impart it. In Costalegre and at Careyes Foundation, that transformation continues every day.

Remember that if you want to support our work, you can make a donation today.

Bringing the Carey back to the Careyes Coast

Photo by Juan Tejeda

Do you know where Careyes gets its name? Careyes, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is one of the most important nesting sites for the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (or Carey in Spanish), most likely lending its name to this area.

This species, whose population was drastically reduced due to the demand for their shells, seeks out the peaceful beaches of Careyes’ smaller bays to lay their eggs.

Conservation efforts in Careyes began in 1986 when the first Hawksbill nest was protected. Since then, 184 nests have been safeguarded, resulting in the release of approximately 6,900 baby turtles.

However, in most years, fewer than 10 nests are discovered and protected. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that this year we have a record-breaking 32 nests and counting!

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the local conservation efforts we undertake with the Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Center and the importance of preserving the natural habitats of endangered species like the Hawksbill Sea Turtle.

Each nest represents hope for the survival of these magnificent creatures, and with continued efforts, we aim to protect even more nests in the coming years.

If you’re ever in Careyes, be sure to learn more about the conservation work happening here and how you can get involved in protecting this beautiful region and its wildlife.

And if you want to support our work, donate today.

Liquid Tales Near the Coast: A Collective Exploration of Water through Art

At Careyes Foundation we recently concluded the exhibition Liquid Tales Near the Coast at the Careyes Art Gallery. 

This art project was the second volume of a series of “Liquid Tales”, after a first exhibition called Liquid Tales Near a Lake curated by guadalajara90210, a contemporary art project from Mexico, and presented at the “González Gallo” Cultural Center in Chapala, in collaboration with MEG Museos de Jalisco.

The exhibition invited visitors to a unique open book concept, where each artist joined as a chapter of a collective story. From science to fiction, and through visual explorations, different periods and imaginaries intersect in the work of 10 artists: Sonia Bandura, Zazil Barba, Catalina Barroso Luque, Celestial Brizuela, Valentina Guerrero Marín, Denise Julieta, Chavis Mármol, Valeria Michelle, María Naidich, and Guadalupe Salgado, who have created a vast landscape significantly related to water. 

These artists explored the notion of water's fluidity with different visual media, fusing some concepts and references of science fiction with artistic research that builds a cohesive story between different styles and aesthetic proposals. The result was an illustrated landscape extending through time and combining natural elements with art.

At Careyes Foundation we are very happy to have been part of this innovative project that left a lasting impression on all who saw and witnessed it. 

We remain committed to the development of communities and artists through the exchange of knowledge, and a dialogue that inspires further reflection on nature and our responsibility to care for it.

To learn more about guadalajara90210, go to their website. 

And if you are interested in supporting the Careyes Foundation work, donate today and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.