Who is CEDO
CEDO Intercultural is a unique collaboration between non-profit organizations in Mexico and the United States. Operating under a United Executive Committee and inspired by a vision, mission, and strategic programs, CEDO pools its resources and experiences to offer realistic environmental and community solutions that recognize, respect, and drive cultural, socio-economic, and biological interconnections between Mexico and the United States.
We are an environmental organization with a strong educational vocation, recognized for a holistic approach that drives nature-based solutions to protect, manage and restore the natural ecosystems that characterize this region.
Our mission
To foster vibrant communities and resilient ecosystems in the Northern Gulf of California and other ecoregions by integrating people, knowledge and solutions.
Our vision
Thriving coastal communities, sustainable livelihoods, healthy ecosystems.
Our history
In 1977 Carl Hodges, Director of the Environmental Research Laboratory at the University of Arizona, established the Desert Development Foundation. His aim was a cooperative Mexican-American research and educational center in the northern Gulf of California, self-supporting and built on bi-national cooperation, to serve the scientists and students studying the area.
In 1980 the facility became CEDO Intercultural. Peggy Turk Boyer, then a young marine biologist, became executive director and led the organization for 40 years. CEDO Intercultural is now led by Nélida Barajas Acosta, who became Executive Director in 2019.
Our values
Teamwork
Development of excellence, responsibility, pride, enjoyment and satisfaction for all members.
Service
Specific services focused on the sustainable use and management of the region’s natural resources.
Innovation
Innovative solutions for sustainable livelihoods that draw on local knowledge, lessons learned and new ideas.
Inclusion
Active participation of stakeholders and a diversity of abilities, ideas and cultures.
Legality
Compliance with the legal framework governing the management and use of ecosystems by everyone involved.
Environmental responsibility
Care for the ecosystems we depend on, in everything we do.
A certified training body
CEDO is accredited as a Competency Certification and Evaluation Entity, ECE475-21, by Mexico’s federal CONOCER program. That allows us to train, assess and certify skills under the National Competency Registry, RENEC. We do this as Escuela CEDO del Mar.
Part of these networks
