In a powerful display of community commitment and environmental stewardship, four women-led civil organizations have united under the “Women for the Sea” initiative to launch an ambitious project for the integral recovery of Tres Emes Beach. Located in El Sauzal and forming part of the Todos Santos Bay World Surfing Reserve, this beach is set to be transformed into a dignified public space that brings the Ensenada community closer to the ocean.
A Bold Initiative for Coastal Revival
The project kicks off with the “Coastal and Underwater Cleanup” scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 am at Tres Emes Beach. More than just a one-day event, this cleanup marks the beginning of an extensive program aimed at restoring and preserving multiple beaches throughout Todos Santos Bay. The convening groups describe themselves as non-partisan citizens bonded by their deep affinity for the sea and a shared vision to reclaim and rejuvenate public coastal spaces.
Key Aspects of the Project:
- Underwater and Coastal Cleanup: Removing debris from both the shoreline and the shallow waters.
- Waste Classification and Disposal: Accurately sorting and disposing of collected waste to ensure sustainable practices.
- Public Art and Outreach: Creating a mural to raise awareness about ocean care and installing signage on proper waste disposal and permitted fishing gear.
- Community Engagement: Launching outreach programs to strengthen Baja California’s identity and reconnect the local population with the sea.
- Continuous Monitoring: Implementing a system for regular beach monitoring by the four convening groups.
These actions are designed not only to restore the natural beauty of Tres Emes but also to serve as a replicable model for the recovery of other beaches in Todos Santos Bay. By integrating cleanup with education and monitoring, the project aims to foster a lasting cultural shift toward environmental responsibility.
Voices from the Movement
Key figures within the movement have expressed both urgency and hope. Beatriz Ibarra, a representative of the surfing community with “Nosotras y el Mar,” highlighted the alarming state of Ensenada’s beaches and stressed the need for greater citizen engagement in solving the environmental crisis. Sheila Caro, representing the Mermaid Squad of swimmers and divers, pointed out that Tres Emes is not only a prime surfing location but also a cherished recreational space for families and pet owners, making its recovery essential.
Erika Jiménez, an expert in protocols and waste management from the Integral Environmental Projects (PAI) collective, explained that the campaign will focus on both thorough cleanup and the development of long-term monitoring strategies. Yuriko Kuwabara of Mujeres en Parvada remarked, “We know it is an ambitious project with short, medium, and long-term stages; but if we don’t start now, when?”
A Call to Action
Maria Eclectica, representing the divers in the Mermaid Squad, has extended an invitation to the broader community. “Many hands are needed,” she emphasizes, encouraging everyone to participate or contribute through in-kind donations. The initiative is open to all, underlining the belief that collective action is key to restoring the ocean’s splendor.With “Women for the Sea” at the helm, Tres Emes Beach is set to be revitalized, and the entire Todos Santos Bay region stands to benefit. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose in the fight for our natural heritage.