In Mexico, there is a group of women committed to protecting biodiversity along the coasts and oceans, carrying out invaluable environmental preservation work, facing personal and social challenges.
Marlene Gutiérrez and Elba López, both recognized with the “Ocean Environment Faces 2024” award by Causa Natura magazine, represent two stories of dedication to protecting and conserving marine biodiversity.
Marlene Gutiérrez: guardian of turtles in Sinaloa
For 20 years, Marlene has led the turtle sanctuary at Playa Cuta in the municipality of Elota, protecting sea turtles from looters and educating local communities.
During the turtle season, she conducts night patrols to record data, collect eggs, and take them to incubation rooms. After 45 days, the hatchlings are released.
Challenges and achievements:
- Despite violence and insecurity, she has saved thousands of turtles along with her family.
- She faces the mistaken belief that turtle eggs are aphrodisiacs, which encourages looting.
Elba López: leading the Sirenas de Natividad group in Baja California Sur
Elba López arrived on Isla Natividad in 2007 and, after diving training in 2013, became part of the Sirenas de Natividad group, a cooperative of female fishermen that preserves marine ecosystems.
Her work includes comparing fishing areas and reserves through underwater biological monitoring to assess the reproduction of species such as abalone and generate data to guide sustainable policies.
Social impact:
- Inspiration for other communities thanks to her work in Sirenas de México, a national network of women divers for scientific monitoring.
The importance of protecting biodiversity
These stories highlight the crucial role of women in marine environmental protection, showing that their work not only conserves biodiversity but also empowers new generations.
Cover photo: Elba López
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