Conserva Loreto Team

Meet the dedicated team behind Conserva Loreto: committed to protecting biodiversity and the well-being of the community.

Sula Vanderplank

Program Director

Dr. Sula Vanderplank is an ecologist specializing in arid and coastal regions, with more than 20 years studying the flora and fauna of the Baja California Peninsula. Her research lines include applied conservation science and transdisciplinary studies. Trained as a botanist, she earned a Ph.D. in Plant Ecology from the University of California, Riverside, under the supervision of Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra. She also holds a 100-ton captain’s license, linked to her work in offshore ecology and whale-watching charters.
She has published more than 50 academic articles and books, serving as first author on over 30% of them, reflecting her commitment to protecting rare species and the legal management of ecosystems. Since 2010, she has collaborated with CONANP and environmental nonprofit organizations in Mexico, maintaining close ties with regional government and the environmental sector. She is a professor at San Diego State University (SDSU) and at CICESE in Ensenada, and joined The Ocean Foundation to lead Conserva Loreto, strengthening conservation efforts in Loreto, Baja California Sur.

Jennifer Ruelas

Program Manager

Jennifer Ruelas is a professional with a degree in Alternative Tourism from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, Loreto campus. Her passion for hiking and her talent for photography and video have allowed her to deeply explore the region’s natural landscapes. With more than five years of experience in conservation in Loreto, Baja California Sur, she has worked on projects aimed at protecting local ecosystems. Her commitment and innovative approach make her a key figure in the Conserva Loreto program.

Associates

Augusto Olmos

Associate

He studied Renewable Energy at the Technological University of La Paz. He is interested in comprehensive projects focused on the use and development of renewable energy sources, as well as everything related to the flora of the Baja California Peninsula.

Josué Cruz

Associate

Josué Miguel Cruz Naranjo, a Biology student at the University of Colima, is passionate about environmental legislation and environmental education. He also shows a strong interest in the reproduction of organisms for conservation purposes.

Hector Sanchez Marquez

Associate

A biologist who graduated from UABC in Ensenada, he has collaborated on numerous flora and fauna projects across the Baja California Peninsula. His passion lies in mammals and the management of natural areas for conservation.