Judith is a life-long conservationist and community leader who has been instrumental in transforming Cabo Pulmo, a small coastal village in Baja California Sur, Mexico, from an overfished coastline to a thriving marine sanctuary. As a third-generation member of a family with deep ties to Cabo Pulmo’s fishing traditions, Judith has witnessed the community’s journey to protect their waters, facing countless challenges and achieving remarkable triumphs along the way. Today, Cabo Pulmo is internationally celebrated for its ecological recovery, with flourishing coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and reef fish populations that had nearly disappeared decades ago. This world-renowned ecosystem, often cited as one of the world’s most successful marine protected areas, stands as a model for conservation globally.
But, it wasn’t easy getting to this place today. Cabo Pulmo’s journey to restoration began in 1995 when, recognizing the deteriorated state of their local reefs, some of Judith’s family members decided to take drastic action and halt all fishing activities. With the help of scientists from the University of La Paz, Cabo Pulmo was designated as a national park, allowing its coral reefs and marine life to recover. This decision was not without sacrifice, as the community faced significant economic hardship in the early years. Judith recalls the difficult transition, with families questioning the future they had chosen, and wondering if they should have followed the Castro family in making this decision. But slowly, the sea began to return to life. Fish populations rebounded, and soon enough, ecotourism emerged as a sustainable alternative, replacing fishing as the community’s primary livelihood.
As the voice of Cabo Pulmo, and someone who has seen the depletion and restoration of her home from her early days, Judith has worked day-in-and-day-out to protect her community’s interests and to promote a balanced approach to conservation. She collaborates closely with local families, scientists, NGOs, and government agencies, acting as a bridge between the community and external stakeholders. Her leadership was pivotal in the fight against Cabo Cortez, a proposed 30,000-room resort project that threatened to undermine Cabo Pulmo’s conservation success. Armed with scientific data showing the remarkable 460% increase in reef biomass, Judith led her community to rally against the massive development project, ultimately preserving the integrity of the marine sanctuary.
Today, Cabo Pulmo faces a new challenge: managing the surge in tourism while protecting its fragile ecosystem. Judith continues to lead community discussions, engaging her neighbors and family members in conversations about sustainable tourism practices and climate resilience. She advocates for a new wave of conservation-minded tourists who understand the importance of preserving Cabo Pulmo’s natural beauty. Judith’s connection to her homeland and her commitment to conservation serve as an inspiring model for coastal communities worldwide. She believes that, just as the people of Cabo Pulmo transformed their village nearly three decades ago, they can once again rise to meet the current challenges and safeguard their home once again.