Verde Camacho

Just 20 minutes north of Mazatlán, the Verde Camacho Refuge is a treasure trove of wild attractions. The waters of this pristine estuary teem with crocodiles and aviary life. The beaches of the refuge are important habitat for nesting sea turtles, and home to the UNAM research station. The refuge has kept its pristine state thanks to the community of fishermen and their families, who for years have protected the habitat from sprawling hotel development, and patrol the beaches for nesting sea turtles. The fishermen here practice a centuries-old technique of fishing, using tapos and attarayas, considered today to be one of the few forms of sustainable shrimp fishing in the world.

Since 2010, RED has worked with the community of Verde Camacho to develop tourism products as a complement to the current, limited economic activities. RED has partnered in this effort with a local fishing cooperative and CONANP - the National Parks Commission. In 2011 the group began to offer one-day excursions in addition to a multi-day academic program for local students. RED continues its regimen of Tourism Operations Training, and is training a local sales team that will reach out to the hotelier community to sell the community owned and operated projects.