home » Initiatives » Friends of Wild Baja

The Friends of Wild Baja Fund was established to receive contributions from U.S. citizens wishing to make tax-deductible contributions to conserve and protect the critical habitats and biodiversity of southern Baja California for the benefit of the region's inhabitants, visitors and future generations.

What are some of the key areas that need protection and what threatens them?

San Ignacio Lagoon is one of the last undeveloped gray whale birthing sites on the planet and one of the world's most biologically significant coastal sites. In addition to gray whales, this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site is home to green sea turtles, peregrine falcons, and hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds which depend on the mangroves, beaches, and wetlands found here.
    Threats: coastal development, land speculation, oil and gas exploration, introduction of large-scale industry.

Magdalena Bay is one of the most important coastal habitats needing protection in all of Mexico. An amazing variety of fish, many species of birds, turtles, sharks, rays, and of course, the famous migrating gray whales attract thousands of visitors here every winter.
    Threats: overharvest of fisheries, poaching and overharvest of endangered turtles, pollution, lack of planning and zoning, limited enforcement of environmental regulations.

The Mechudo Corridor includes 80 miles of undeveloped and still wild coastline between Loreto and La Paz in the Gulf of California. In addition to its relatively pristine condition, this unique area sustains an exceptional diversity of both marine and terrestrial species.
   Threats: Resort development, poaching of bighorn sheep, overgrazing, introduction of non-native weeds, bycatch of non-targeted marine species.

How is the fund managed and what type of projects does the fund support??

The fund is guided by an Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from outdoor recreation and tourism businesses and conservation organizations operating in the Baja California region. Committee members review project proposals and recommend grants to those with the most promise for achieving identified goals.

The International Community Foundation administers and oversees the Friends of Wild Baja Fund.  Grant seekers are invited to review the International Community Foundation's grant making requirements and guidelines before submitting a proposal.

Funds for specific, priority projects are available to any of the non-profits that actively work in this region.
Learn more about these projects.

How can I help?
   Your donation to the Friends of Wild Baja Fund can be made securely through the International Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing charitable giving across U.S. borders to benefit communities and non-profit organizations.  Any contribution to the “Friends of Wild Baja” Fund at ICF is tax-deductible to U.S. taxpayers.

Donate now!