Guaymas - pag. 13

SuMar and CETMar have offered the students training led by experts specializing in sustainable development journal-
ism. The lessons included field investigations that have served as an example of the importance of discovering and sharing the natural treasures of their own localities, with which many were unfamiliar.

New technologies like the internet and social networks are the principal tools that participants were able to take advantage of in order to gain access to websites providing both forums for public expression and multimedia publications related to the environment.

Training in journalism was one element of the series of confer-

ences that covered fisheries, protected marine areas, the effects of climate change and the status of aquifers that took place in three northwestern Mexican states in 2009 and 2010, and that was attended by 1,500 students from six campuses.

Out of these workshops, Sawa was born—a network of young, grassroots reporters who have come together to openly express their concerns and ideas regarding the conservation of the Gulf of California’s natural and cultural heritage. The members chose the name Sawa, which refers to the Saguaro, one of the region's distinctive species.

Today, Sawa is a communi-
cations medium that works through an on-line portal where

By Griselda Franco Piedra*

“In this world of routine and decay, what novelties are left for young people to try out?” Mario Benedetti asked himself a few years ago. The only answer he had was that they were left with getting to better know nature. In this way they will have the chance for a future, in spite of the past’s failures and current corruption.

With the knowledge that Mexican youth represent a generation that is more sensitive to environmental issues, and are more likely to participate in activities geared to environmen-
tal protection and conservation, the non-profit SuMar-Voces por la Naturaleza (Voices for Nature), in association with the Center for Marine Technology Studies (CETMar) have gathered from high schools and universities a select group of 100 citizen journalists to work in the Gulf of California region.

The objective: to teach youth to become observers and reporters of environmental conservation initiatives and other beneficial projects, as well as to be grassroots agents leading the decision-makers in their own communities.

participants can come together to share, learn and appreciate the region. Youth from Guaymas and Puerto Peñasco in Sonora, Teacapán in Sinaloa, and San Blas in Nayarit, continue to develop and build the site daily.

With the formation of Sawa, one of the principal demands of today’s youth, an economy in harmony with nature, is coming to life.

For more information and to participate, visit our website and that of SuMar.

*Sumar-Voces por la Naturaleza

Guaymas, Sonora—What used to be thrown into the trash can now serve as a fashion statement that also benefits the environment.

That’s what the young women participating in the show “Green Fashion” demonstrated with their imaginative clothes made of re-used and recycled materials.

With the theme “re-think, recycle, renew”, the fashion show was part of the academic yearend celebrations at ITSON (Technology Institute of Sonora) on November 26, 2010. Sponsored by the Hotel Marina

Reporter: Would you use the dress that you designed in an emergency or in an economic crisis?

Ancheta: Yes, I would use it in those situations because as human beings we use whatever we have on hand to meet our needs.

With this event, ITSON and the young people involved have given us an example of what we could expect in the future if, in aid of the planet, we opt for this type of clothing, reusing items in order to reduce the consumption of raw materials.

*Student, Industrial Technology and Services Preparatory School (CBTIS) 40

Terra, Green Fashion was organized by Sonia Beatriz Echeverría Castro, director of ITSON, Miriam Rossana Ramírez López, Coordinator of their tourism program, and Mario A. Vázquez García, head of the department.

Both students from ITSON and CBTIS No. 40 competed for first and second place in the categories of best over all design, and outfit with the most recycled content. The top prizes, academic scholarships, were awarded by the Hotel Marina Terra. There were 18 entrants who competed not only for the two main prizes but also to be a part of something environmentally friendly.

Denis Miranda, 19, a student in ITSON’s tourism program took second place with her “black dress” design.

CBTIS students Abril Elena Villegas Salgado, in the fifth semester of the Electrical program and Sharlenne Ancheta Martinez in the third semester of the Administration program, vied for first place, with Ancheta Martínez coming out the winner.

In a brief interview Ancheta said: “I didn’t think I would win, not only beating my own classmates but everyone from ITSON as well. But it was worth all the effort and I am very happy with the way it turned out.

me on and were a big help during the event. My teacher Elvia Mendoza told me about the event and encouraged me to enter.

Reporter: What message would you like to leave the reader about the theme “ recycle, reuse, reduce”?

Ancheta: That it would be great for us to recycle in a creative and useful way and develop a new meaning of fashion.

Reporter: What did you win?

Ancheta: I won a scholarship and a buffet breakfast for two at the Hotel Marina Terra.

Reporter: Who helped you and who encouraged you to participate?

Ancheta: My classmates helped me with the dress. They also cheered