Who we are
Our history
La Sociedad de Historia The Niparajá Natural History Society was founded in 1990 by a group of volunteers from La Paz. We chose the name of a regional pre-Hispanic deity for our organization: Niparajá, the God of the Pericú, lord of the sky, the sea, and the earth, creator of the peninsula, its plants, animals, and human beings.
How We Work
We involve the people who live in the region to identify innovative solutions based on scientific research and the exchange of knowledge, thus generating participatory and sustainable community development models.
We see Baja California Sur as a single, interconnected landscape, from the mountains to the sea. Therefore, we focus our efforts on four fundamental natural resources for our state: water, land, oceans, and fisheries.
Each of our initiatives is conceived by the communities themselves, who are the key stakeholders in understanding, protecting, conserving, and restoring our ecosystems and safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage.
Our Values
01. Professionalism
We are a multidisciplinary team that approaches its projects strategically, grounded in scientific, social, and legal principles.
02. Autonomy
We always act according to our own decisions and do not obey private interests.
03. Innovation
Through clear and efficient processes, we generate quality results and implement innovative solutions.
04. Integrity
It allows us to be consistent in our actions, both inside and outside the organization.
05. Inclusion
We encourage societal participation by creating transparent, equitable, and accessible partnerships and collaborative spaces.
06. Transparency
We are willing to be accountable and share the results of our work with partners, donors, and society at large.
07. Respect
We recognize and value the people and institutions with whom we collaborate.
What Drives Us
Mission
To work towards a balance between nature and society in Baja California Sur through the conservation of natural heritage, citizen participation, community strengthening, and the promotion of sustainable development models based on local knowledge, environmental justice, and territorial co-responsibility.
Vision
We envision a future where people and nature coexist in harmony, where communities are the driving force behind the care and management of their environment, and where development is sustainable, equitable, and deeply rooted in the land. We aspire to a world where conservation is part of everyday life, driven by local knowledge, science, citizen participation, and intersectoral collaboration.
Our Community
Over the years, we have established a network of contacts and alliances with different sectors of the population, maintaining an ongoing collaborative dialogue. We understand the need to join forces to bring about change in the status quo and redefine what quality of life, a thriving community, and a healthy environment mean.
Among the organizations are: Agua Vale más que el Oro, Albergue Calafia, Alianza para la Sustentabilidad del Noroeste Costero, Amigos para la Conservación de Cabo Pulmo, Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental, Cómo vamos La Paz, Comunidad y Biodiversidad, Eco-Alianza de Loreto, Environmental Defense Fund, Frente Ciudadano en Defensa del Agua y la Vida, Greenpeace, Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias, Natural Resources Defense Council, Noroeste Sustentable, Observatorio Ciudadano del Agua y Saneamiento de La Paz, Pronatura Noroeste, WildCosast, y una variedad de socios comunitarios como la Comunidad de Agua Verde, Comunidad de Cabo Pulmo, Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Pescadores del Esterito y otras Sociedades Cooperativas de producción
In addition, the organization maintains strategic alliances with various government institutions, academic institutions, and foundations that provide the necessary support for its mission, including: Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, la Comisión Estatal del Agua de Baja California Sur, la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, la Comisión Nacional del Agua, el Gobierno del Estado de Baja California Sur, el H. Ayuntamiento de La Paz, la Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente, la Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Duke University, y fundaciones como la Alianza WWF – Fundación Carlos Slim, Fundación Mexicana para la Educación Ambiental, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Nature Conservancy y The Walton Family Foundation.
In memoriam
Bruce Berger 1938-2021
Bruce Berger was a great friend of Niparajá for decades, serving on our Board and demonstrating his deep commitment to the conservation of Baja California Sur’s natural capital, its seas, and islands. His ideas and proposals always enriched the work of our organization.
Bruce was a renowned writer, poet, and pianist; a true Renaissance man. Among his prolific literary work, he authored several books about the southern region of the peninsula, spending extended periods in La Paz, San Ignacio, and Rancho Santa Marta over several decades. He knew the most remote parts of our state and the people who live there well. He loved those places dearly and was also familiar with the history and customs of Baja California Sur.
Everyone at Niparajá honors his memory and legacy through our work. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have him as a friend remember him fondly. Thank you, Bruce, for what you did for the good of Baja California Sur and for your extraordinary generosity toward Niparajá.
