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San Diego Natural History Museum Stands Firm
SDNHM's commitment to binational research collaboration aids in preserving and protecting the pristine and endangered Baja California peninsula. It was with great excitement that the Museum welcomed back Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra this year as Director and Provost of the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias (BRCC). Dr. Ezcurra, a world-renown conservation biologist and author, served as President of the National Institute of Ecology for Mexico prior to his return to SDNHM. As the provost, he leads an impressive team of scientists, including eight other Ph.D.s, dedicated to continued research on the biology, ecology, paleontology and geology of our region-from Pt. Conception (near Santa Barbara) to the tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. His current research, supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Mexican biodiversity research organization CONABIO, is focused on the holistic understanding and management of the Sea of Cortes as a single ecosystem, including the people who live and work there. 
To support its binational research and education efforts, the Museum annually sponsors a stunningly successful Dos Aguilas (Two Eagles) fundraising event. In March, over 400 guests from both sides of the border enjoyed a world-class reception on the rooftop aerie and dinner and dancing in the Sefton Atrium as they learned more about the Museum's expansive binational projects. The event yielded $115,000. Meanwhile, the giant-screen fi lm, Ocean Oasis, produced by SDHNM in 2001, continues to carry the Museum's message about the importance of studying and preserving the delicate Baja California ecosystem around the world. Since its premiere at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, the fi lm has been translated into 10 languages, seen by over fi ve million people in many countries, and received fi ve major wildlife and large-format fi lm awards. Recently UNESCO offi cials decided to list Mexico's Gulf of California (Sea of Cortes) as a World Heritage site. Ocean Oasis is credited with providing a compelling argument for preservation of this unique part of the world. Dr. Ezcurra, co-producer of the fi lm, played a pivotal role in securing the World Heritage designation for the Gulf of California. |
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