May 16th, 2014– Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico – Bahia de Todos Santos will be officially dedicated as a World Surfing Reserve, Saturday June 21st, 2014, protecting the iconic breaks of the Baja coast from Salsipuedes to Killers.
The free event will begin at 3 pm and will feature a community paddle out, performances, a community art project, remarks from invited dignitaries – all to inspire stewardship of the coasts. An evening reception will be held from 6 pm – 12 am at upscale Kraken Restaurant to celebrate the dedication, featuring live music, food, local beers and wines, scheduled remarks, and a photography exhibition of local waves and coastlines.
Bahia de Todos Santos received its approval as a World Surfing Reserve in January 2013, for its’ wave quality and consistency, unique environmental characteristics, surf culture and history, and community support. Prominent organizations Ensenada-based SURF-ENS, Mexican NGO Pronatura and environmental NGO WILDCOAST/Costa Salvaje have been deeply involved in the planning and ongoing stewardship of the Reserve.
“The community is overwhelmingly excited and honored to receive the World Surfing Reserve designation,” said Fernando Marvan, president of SURF ENS. “We look forward to implementing the Reserve and improving environmental protection of the region.”
This group of organizations, which forms the local stewardship council, has spent the past six months working with Save The Waves Coalition to develop a stewardship plan to guide the conservation efforts within the Reserve. Notably, the World Surfing Reserve in Bahia de Todos Santos is poised to help create first state park in northern Baja, led by partner organization Pronatura. The proposed state park will protect 6 hectares of critical watershed at Arroyo San Miguel and the sand and cobblestones that create the fabled San Miguel surf spot.
“Bahia de Todos Santos is an amazing environmental and recreational treasure”, said Save The Waves Coalition Executive Director, Nik Strong-Cvetich “ and Save The Waves is honored to work on the long term conservation of the Bahia Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve alongside our amazing partners”.