La Duna Non Profit

Dear Friends of La Duna,Summer was a good time for me to reflect on and research ways to continue offering La Dunaas a place to find health and an embracing community. La Duna is welcoming, simple, sincereand committed to restore and protect our Earth Mother. Health for the individual and as asociety is an essential part of this restoration. We host and collaborate with scientists, ecologistsand students learning the incredible biodiversity we are part of, and we co-create with healingarts and spiritual teachers to increase the opportunities to inspire and expand consciousness ofour belonging to a larger circle of life that includes respect for all living things. We love to sharewith family and friends the joy of remembering and experiencing our being part of this everevolving force. And I say we, because I believe there is a common thread between us all,including you, and we intuitively know it, without words.In the nineties, I met an Italian photographer, owner of an outdoor travel company based in LaPaz, the owner of the piece of land where La Duna was built in 1999. Our common vision was tocreate a tourism business that could serve as a rural school for eco-tourism; a hands onlearning environment for the La Paz community to understand and to practice economicalternatives to the popular mega real estate developments. However, our timing went off beat,and before we could start activities my first motherhood coincided with his severe illness and hiseventual departure from our society. This put a halt to the original plan. La Duna remainedclosed to the public for 10 years, until in 2009 we opened our doors for the first time as an eco-retreat center. The vision for La Duna included now other experiences and possibilities.Art, music and dance have always been part of my life as a talented passion and expressiveoutlet. Poetry and song writing, and specially singing, bring happiness to my heart since I was alittle girl. I hold a B.A. in International Relations and political science was my focus of study. Butduring those ten years away from Mexico and living in San Diego, CA I become a mother andexperienced a different kind of personal growth. Life with children and their tender wondermentat the beauty and order in the world inspired me so profoundly, it made me find techniques Icould use to have fun with them while realizing and enjoying being part of this amazing world.Fascinated by the book Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell, I became a certifiedfacilitator for his Sharing Nature Programs. His creative activities combine fun games with deepconnection with/in Nature; they inspire reflection and joy. He is a pioneer on mindfulnessprograms for children based on direct contact with Nature. https://www.sharingnature.com/These practices are also applicable for children of all ages! I have shared with many visitors ourfavorite “interview with nature” and over and over people find mirrors in the natural beings thatsurround us immersing themselves as part of a bigger family.Collaborating with the Mexican Cultural Institute at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego,together with artists from both sides of the border and local “promotora” women, I developed abinational art/ecology program to support the greening of an orphanage in Tijuana, S.O.S.Aldeas Infantiles. The ecology program became an attractive educational site visit for Tijuanaschools, and for US groups that joined our team and brought to the orphanage art events,workshops, and donations in exchange for their visits and for the orphans’s benefit. Visitorsand residents learned about growing and eating organic healthy food, about recycling andreducing trash, about making art and celebrating community. 1 of 9

My children’s father, initiated me into the world of philanthropy. His support allowed me to serveas ambassador and bridge between cultures to bring attention to worthy causes across borders.I served on the board of the International Community Foundation for 9 years, reviewing andevaluating grants, as well as cultivating donors for conservation, the arts, and environmentaleducation initiatives in Baja. I continue to be an advisor to their board. https://icfdn.org/Yoga and Qigong came into my life around the same time as my children, weaving themselvesinto our lives.The shamanic practices and indigenous ceremonies I have been invited to be partof planted in me the vision seed to bring people together at la Duna and integrate spiritually intoNature, to hold space for transformation and resilience through the powerful softness of itsbeauty and harmony. Lali MItchell and the Expressive Arts hold for me sacred space for deepreflection and clear inspiration based on a direct and respectful integration with our nature withinand without. Qigong is simply the essence of all and lately thanks to Martha Blane and hercommunity Qi has taken a forefront in my life. Susan Faerber and her magical cuisine createdthe delicious menu we are known for and appreciated by every guest. My dear sisters DarlaBlack south Dakota, and Pearl Gottschalk from West Coast Canada have always encouragedme to follow my dreams of La Duna with spiritual protection and prayers, and practical projectmanagement and public relations. Stephanie Rousso has supported hands on this vision sinceits beginning. La Duna has been for many of us a quiet reflective pool to see deep inside, yet apowerful magnifier to expand our view point way beyond the blue sky. I am so grateful for mytribe, and for the spaces we get to share.I did not know it then, but I can see it now, that all these cumulative experiences and supportivebeloved mentors along the way have helped me bring La Duna from a seed into a tangiblereality. Its most precious asset being its raw beauty and silence, only possible when it remainssoftly touched, or untouched, as much as possible. It has also made me see its fragility in theface of development and unconscious behavior. How long do we have before it reaches us?Can we protect it? Can we sustain its mission elsewhere? I believe we have some good yearsto try our best to raise awareness, to create a private protected area and an experientiallearning program for integrative wellness that we can share with the community. The main focus of the programs we are developing at La Duna is the restoration of wellness,the health that permeates through individual, society, and Nature, us, interdependent anddiverse. Restoring the Earth and oneself need to go hand in hand to be truly sustainable,because the opportunity to be well must be accesible to all, not just a few.Thanks to ICF and Upwell support, Stephanie Rousso has been working with volunteers,students and local biologists on mapping the diversity of the coastal and marine ecosystemsaround La Duna. The visual guide, database and hands on experiences in development will betools to bring visitors closer to the understanding of our biodiversity, and the importance of ourparticipation by listening to what the Earth needs, because that is also what we need, to regainbalance. Identifying the main threats and opportunities for restoration and conservation, as wellas sustainable management alternatives is a natural next step we need to pursue. This will alsohelp Upwell and others in obtaining scientific information to promote the protection andconservation of key habitats for wild life, like our coastal dunes. One of the possible ideas is tocreate a private protected area at La Duna, or even an UMA for the entire dune system for theprotection of endemic and endangered species. Stephanie has also developed a unique citizenscience program that includes mindfulness practices integrating ideas from Wallace J NicholsBlue Mind book—that focuses on evidence that being close to bodies of water promotes mental 2 of 9

health and happiness—and pairing scientific research with local yoga and wellness teachers, aswell as chefs sourcing food sustainably.In parallel, I have been collaborating with amazing teachers here in San Diego designing anEcology wellness program we call Earth Journey: a week long exploration on the way natureand us are bio-identical, and on how by understanding the patterns in Nature we are able tounderstand or change patterns in us. It is a course on resilience and gratitude, about energycultivation and restoration, and of deep connection within and with Nature.Pearl Gottschalk close friend and incredible project manager and visionary collaborator, nonprofit expert, helped me meet with many local stake holders and put in writing our initial ideasfor a retreat center, looking to form a team that working together could sustain La Duna. Fromthe beginning we held a strong vision for a program we could offer to the keepers of truth, to theEarth defenders in need of restoration, so they may receive nourishment and care and replenishtheir beings to continue with their important missions. A scholarship fund to support thiscommunity leaders could be set up as part of our General Operations Fund at the InternationalCommunity Foundation, their credibility and tax deductible receipts for donations may facilitateany program’s funding.And as much as this all may sound like a metaphysical experience, it is also physical, andscientific, we are different disciplines presenting sides of one same reality that is all inclusive.Through our programs you will see yourself as part of Nature, engaging on citizen scienceactivities, meditating and expanding consciousness, bridging Nature and our own self throughplayful arts and ecology studies, taking care of our bodies and diet, enjoying and celebratingbeauty, and finding connection with others restoring our world and co-creating a safe holdingspace for all.Challenge: When I retired from the ICF board, and I got divorced, I also retired from the philanthropiccommunity in San Diego. I have struggled with La Duna because I don’t have the knowledge onhow to reach out to the right groups of people that will respect and support the essence of LaDuna, the audience or extended family that would have regular bookings generating enoughfinancial flow to sustain its care and those who care for it. La Duna is a source of income forseveral local families, between salaries, services, and supplies. We need to increase ourbookings at least 200% to be sustainable, and a bit more to allow us to keep a fund for repairs,improvements, operations, scholarships, property or future land acquisition… The installations are in need of upgrading and a marketing expert is needed to design andhelp implement a sound funding strategy to generate a sustainable model for conservation andintegrative wellness. Without additional economic support, the future of La Duna’s mission isunclear. So I am inviting you, who loves La Duna, to join me and support the creation of this Mexicannon profit in any way you want and can to continue to preserve La Duna and its mission, withperhaps little modifications to our installations to enhanced visitors stays and help us reach ourideal audience, but without disturbing its delicate balance. I realize there are different ways wecould do this and I invite you to share and suggest ideas, this is just one to initiate our dialogueand I will be happy to solve any doubts and expand the information as needed.Thank you so much for your ongoing support! Gabriela Flores, [email protected], +1(619)977-0513
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La Duna Centro Ecológico, A. C. La Duna has been a leader in ecosystem conservation: An experiential eco-destination to learn about sustainable living and open to the community of La Paz since 2009. It is nestled underneath a soft profile of volcanic dunes along the northwestern shores of the Bay of La Paz, surrounded by the majestic desert at the skirts of the impressive Sierra la Giganta Mountains in Baja California Sur, Mexico. In Mexico, coastal dunes are threatened by increasing coastal development and are loosely protected under federal laws. The laws are not well enforced partlybecause of the vague language provided in legal framework at the federal level, and verysubjective to interpretation at the state and local levels. The legal process to clarify andprotect dunes is on its way, but while the long process of execution of laws and enforcementtakes place, non-profit organizations and responsiblebusinesses such as La Duna are collaborating NOW toprotect coastal dunes and the adjacent ecosystems suchas sea turtle nesting beaches and the coastal scrub,which support a high biodiversity of rare and endemicspecies. How are we doing this? We are creating naturalist trails and educationalexperiences that highlight the unique biodiversity of thisrich natural environment and its vital importance toother surrounding ecosystems like coral reefs and desertlands. We are maintaining a log of biodiversity throughscientific monitoring collaborating with local NGOs andscientists to create a private natural reserve, and thenextend into a bigger coastal Environmental ManagementUnit, beyond La Duna. La Duna is also a unique integrative destination, a hubfor community, students, travelers, scientists, nonprofits, wellness providers, and spiritual teachersdeveloping and supporting programs for wellness andconservation; different approaches to one same goal ofpreserving this biodiversity as intact as possible forfuture generations to enjoy in balance. We have two basic programs within the Ecology Center:Interpretative trails & Citizen Science Activities, andWellness Retreats & Workshops, both programs are anamalgam of mindfulness and ecology, science, expressivearts, hands on conservation and restoration practices forthe Earth, community, and Self. 4 of 9

Interpretative Trails for Coastal Dunes BiodiversityThe mission of our living museum trails and citizen science program is to engage visitors andlocal community in active conservation initiatives. Local biologists are presently volunteeringto monitor the biodiversity in and around La Duna, creating an inventory, self guide, and trailswith signage. We want to use this information as scientific base to create a private reserve atla Duna. We will serve as example to bring more of the coastal dunes along the westernportion of La Paz Bay under a unique protection status as an Environmental Management Unit(Unidad de Manejo Ambiental UMA) destined to protect endangered species and conservehabitat while creating economic alternatives for local stakeholders like fishermen, ranchers,property owners, tour operators, local producers, university graduates.Citizen science activities through eco-tourism provide sponsorship to fulfill monitoringactivities and support the volunteer work of these hardworking local biologists and our sharedconservation efforts. As stated in our marketing materials, by joining forces with yourdonations or adding on citizen science activities to your retreat or event, you are not onlysupporting conservation of coastal dunes and its inhabitants, contributing to scientificbiodiversity monitoring and publicly accessed databases, but also granting opportunities tolocal university students in marine biology and alternative tourism to fulfill an internship atLa Duna and help us outreach into the community with place based educational activities.Below is a list and brief description of activities and programs we offer at La Duna • Low-tide biodiversity monitoring o Depending on the time of low tide during your visit, we will scour the rocks and look for small invertebrates such as hermit crabs, seaweed crabs, popping shrimp, ribbon worms, dancing nudibranchs, sea anemones, pygmy octopus, barnacles, and more. If the tide is too high, we will submerge ourselves into the underwater world of the kelp forest, find a rock, harvest the algae in buckets, then take it back to the lab to find what lives in this micro-ecosystem using hand lens and microscopes. Each species, we will identify if we can and register it with our local biologists. • Coastal dune biodiversity monitoring o We will take a stroll through the dunes with our knowledgeable biologists and assist them as they collect insects from different plants, track wildlife, and map out special areas of wildlife usage in the dunes. This activity takes place in the evening for preparation of wildlife tracks and in the morning to check tracks and collect insects. Then the biologists work to identify the insects and register them in our database. 5 of 9

• Sustainable fisheries monitoring o We will accompany the local biologists to a nearby fish camp, meet the families that live there, and then get to work. We will do a brief beach clean up since these communities do not have trash pick up and then we will register the catch of the day. Each fish is sorted into species, measured, and weighed. All data is recorded to help us determine the most sustainable fishing method, location, species, and size. Protecting the coastal dunes supports healthy reefs that support healthy fish populations and diversity. Also, the coastal dune environmental unit we are planning requires all community members to be in agreement and this is our way of starting to work directly with our neighbor to collaborate for ecosystem protection both above and below the bay.• Ongoing faculty training program o In collaboration with local Universities and NGOs we host training programs for Alternative Tourism Students, local scientists, NGO leaders, and teachers to be guides of our educational and monitoring experiences, or to create their own in our outdoor classroom for both local community groups and travelers. 6 of 9

Wellness Retreats & WorkshopsAt La Duna a selected group of wellness and spiritual teachers, scientists and educators havecome together and helped us weaved experiences where visitors can participate to connectdeeply with the natural surroundings, with their inner self, and with others.We offer two distinct programs where participants directly engage in local ecosystem andcommunity restoration practices while dedicating time to self healing and providing withtheir tuition key operational income to the Center. We will target eco-travelers, government,organizations, and socially responsible businesses to make our programas available to allcommunity through sponsorship packages.This is an excellent methodology to draw together a group or team from a heart intuitiveconnection, plus adding hands on volunteer activities to restore the environment and betterthe local community. Our programs join ecology and mindfulness with volunteer work forconservation: Earthfulness!• Yoga for Turtles: BlueMind Retreats In collaboration with Upwell Foundation3 day and week long experiences: a collaborative fundraising for turtles at seaGrab five of your friends and join us for a 3-day or 7-day Yoga for Turtles Bluemind Retreatwith lots of citizen science and mindfulness activities. We will do all the citizen sciencemonitoring activities listed above, and also check out nocturnal species. Plus we will create apersonalized spirit animal guidebook. We will engage in activities like yoga and meditationtwice a day, enjoy gourmet meals sustainably sourced, and have a blast during eveningcooking classes with our salsa dancing, DJ, dog trainer, Chef Andrés Hernández Acevedo fromthe village of Xochimilco. Chef Andrés will show us how to create exotic healthy Mexicancuisine like Haba Tlacoyos, tomatillo salsa, quinoa chili relleno, and more. During cookingclasses, Chef Andres will also enlighten our Blueminds with story of the avocado and maize.• Earth Journey Program: In collaboration with Skymountain InstituteA week long art and ecology program guiding participants thorough a journey of renewal byembodying the elements in Nature. Using different eco-arts and permaculture practices tobring forth a personal and collective vision in tune with the Earth and our own talentedpurpose, this is a journey within the depths of the Earth and our own soul. We cultivate of ourown energy through Qigong practice, nourish our creativity, and allow transformationalmessages to form a tool kit for restoration and resilience. In the joy and beauty of life’sjourney and our connection to the Earth is how we make a difference. This is an idealexperience for a group in search of a common intention and unity, as well as for the individualparticipant’s personal growth. 7 of 9

Fundraising: 2 Year Budget and TimelineThis two year fundraising campaign will cover general administrative and operating costs ofthe retreat center, will support our marketing efforts, help us design and start up oureducational programs, and give us a financial base to generate the sustainability we seek.YEAR 1: Set Up, Programs Design and Marketing Campaign $77,000 USD •Form Board of Directors and Advisors •Execute fundraising campaign for set up and operations fund at ICF •Set up non profit organization in Mexico plus necessary operating permits and administration •Execute Membership program to raise improvements investment •Hire and train administrator for non-profit •Set up agreements and collaborations with other NGOs, individuals, private and government Institutions related to our mission •Execute an ongoing marketing campaign in CA, Pacific Northwest and Western Canada to rent facilities• Execute an outreach and marketing campaign in La Paz and adjacent cities to attract participants in programs and to rent facilities to groupsYEAR 2: Establish Private Reserve and Consolidate Programs$72,100 USD• Execute Membership program for improvements investment• Execute fundraising campaign for general operations Amigos de la Duna fund at ICF• Establish a private natural reserve and consolidate educational and monitoring programs and offerings of the Center• Execute a marketing campaign in CA, Pacific Northwest, and Western Canada to rent facilities• Execute an outreach and marketing campaign in La Paz and adjacent cities to attract participants in La Duna programs and to rent facilities to groups• Execute a marketing campaign to get corporate and foundation sponsors for our specific programs 8 of 9

How You Can Help?1. Participate in our ProgramsRegister and invite your friends to participate, we welcome you here!PARTICIPATE2. Bring your own groupBook a date and retreat with your own group, we provide all the logisticsupport and you will feel good you are traveling to make a difference!BOOK3. Invest in our MembershipSupport our improvements fund and help us make La Duna even moreattractive. This exclusive membership allows you to lock in advanced primeweeks for your own groups with a prepaid contract at a discounted priceINVEST4. Make Tax Deductible Donations to ICF FundFeeling generous and need a little incentive before the end of the year? Youcan contribute to our Amigos de la Duna Fund at International CommunityFoundation and get a tax deductible receipt.CONTRIBUTE 9 of 9