By Shandra Keesecker-Rivero
June 5th is World Environment Day, and right on its heels we celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8th. With these two environmentally conscientious dates in mind, the City of Puerto Peñasco along with CEDO, the Naval base, and non-governmental organizations including EcoHope, the local Association of Architects, Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, and others have come together to promote and celebrate a week of Environmental Awareness.
Ramón Morales, City Deputy Director of Development and Ecology, explains activities during the week from June 3rd – June 9th include radio and press spots, environmental conferences that are open to the public, talks being held at area schools, an environmental movie, beach clean-up, and the Peñasco – Pinacate cycling race to wrap up the week.
Schedule
Wednesday, June 5 World Environment Day
9 a.m. Plaza Camarón – Official ceremony to be held at Plaza* with civil and military officials present
Exhibitions
– Recycling presented by EcoHope C.P. Ramón Bustamante
– Composting presented by Victor Alemán
– Renewable Energy presented by Angel de la Puerta of Tumba Watts
– Natural Resources presented by Paloma Valdivia of the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO)
*There will first be a minute of silence to honor and remember the children from the ABC daycare in Hermosillo, Sonora and the tragedy of June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 6 Municipal Auditorium (across from City Hall)
9 a.m. Sustainable housing and construction – Puerto Peñasco Colegio de Arquitectos
10:30 a.m. Energy efficiency – Engineer Angel de la Puerta (Tumba Watts)
12 p.m. Arq. Ruelas – Theme: Agenda Verde – Technological University of Puerto Peñasco (UTPP)
Followed by other conferences
7 p.m. CEDO Presents – Family Film Night @ the Municipal Auditorium – FILM: OCEANS (Jaques Perrin and Jaques Cluzaud)
Friday, June 7
Conferences to be held at area schools, presented by representatives from the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and CEDO
Saturday, June 8 World Oceans Day
7 a.m. CEDO excursion in the area of Mi Playa (just off Blvd. Fremont) “Posos de Marea” (Tidal grounds)
8 a.m. Beach Clean Up!! Area of Playa Hermosa (near Peñasco del Sol Hotel / Gamma’s)
11 a.m. Plaza la Madre (next to baseball stadium) – Distribution of trees to community youth
12 p.m. Plaza la Madre
Exhibitions
– Composting (Victor Alemán)
– Recycling (EcoHope)
Sunday, June 9 Peñasco – Pinacate Cycling Race departing from City Hall
(50 kms / various categories for men, women, and children!)
7:30 a.m. Departs from City Hall and concludes at Biological Station of the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve
The principal goal of these activities is to honor both World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, while also raising environmental awareness within the desert/ocean community of Puerto Peñasco itself. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in the scheduled activities!