¡Cada gol cuenta!

Apoya a la comunidad de Costalegre en el Torneo de Polo de Agua Alta

Fotografía de Rebecca Foltz

Este 2025, queremos que cada gol en el Torneo de Polo de Agua Alta se convierta en una oportunidad real de cambio para las 12 comunidades que acompaña la Fundación Careyes. Con tus donaciones, cada gol podrá transformar la comunidad de Costalegre.

Durante partidos seleccionados del torneo, donantes se comprometerán a aportar $500 USD por cada gol anotado. ¿Lo mejor? Cada donante podrá elegir cómo quiere sumarse:

• Apoyando todos los goles de un equipo,

• Patrocinando a un jugador en particular,

• O simplemente diciendo: “Yo dono por ese gol.”

Este gesto simple, poderoso y profundamente simbólico, será un nuevo puente entre la pasión por el deporte y el deseo genuino de dejar huella en la comunidad de Costalegre.

Fotografía de Rebecca Foltz

Sé parte de la comunidad

Careyes es un lugar hermoso, su comunidad es vibrante y está llena de historia, biodiversidad y talento entre sus habitantes. Tus aportaciones beneficiaran los programas de la Fundación Careyes que desde 2013 ha apoyado a la comunidad con talleres de ciencia y clases de inglés para niños y jóvenes, fomento de protección de especies en peligro, gestión de residencias artísticas que conectan y posicionan a la comunidad y la gente de Careyes en el panorama global.

Entre nuestras causas están aquellas que promueven dentro de la comunidad una educación ambiental para la conservación de los ecosistemas de Costalegre, el desarrollo comunitario para crear nuevas oportunidades para los habitantes de Careyes.

Nuestra meta

Aunque hemos llegado lejos, no podemos hacerlo solos. Buscamos recaudar al menos $10,000 USD para seguir sosteniendo y ampliando nuestros programas.

¡Haz que tu pasión por el polo deje una huella en la comunidad!

Contáctanos y participa patrocinando un gol, un equipo o un jugador, o donando directamente a la Fundación Careyes.

Protecting Paradise

How Careyes Foundation Tackles Marine Trash and Microplastics

The vibrant shores of Mexico’s Costalegre region are renowned for their beauty, but like beaches worldwide, they face a pressing challenge—marine trash and microplastics. The Careyes Foundation is taking bold strides to address this issue, combining community engagement, environmental education, and hands-on research to create lasting solutions.

Restoring Beauty, Protecting Wildlife

Since its foundation in 2013, the Careyes Foundation has organized community clean-ups all along the coast to conserve our beaches, waterways and marine life. In 2024, we led a series of impactful cleanups with 118 dedicated participants, removing over 550 kg of trash from beaches, the ocean floor, and the Cuixmala River.

We partner with Gilles Fortin, dive shop owner and avid conservationist, as well as local divers, to remove trash from the Chamela Bay sea floor. River cleanups are also key to tackling marine debris as over 80% of marine trash comes from land, often delivered by creeks and rivers.

Last year we painted and installed over 40 signs with local kids, inviting visitors to respect these public spaces. In particular we observed a significant reduction of dumping along the Cuixmala River. These cleanups not only restore the natural beauty of the area and engage locals in environmental protection, but also protect marine life from the dangers of plastic waste and reduce future microplastics.

“Do not pollute the planet. Recycle.”

“Turtles need your help.”

Inspiring Young Conservationists

Education is at the heart of the Careyes Foundation’s mission. Through our programs "Sea Turtle Guardians" and "Meet the Birds of the Costalegre," 4th, 5th and 6th-grade students of 12 local communities connect with charismatic native species, fostering a love for nature. After participating in these programs, kids are more likely to say they will reject poached sea turtle eggs and parrots!

They are also much more likely to say that they can make a difference by educating others. By teaching children about the importance of conservation—such as not littering and refraining from purchasing endangered species or their eggs—the Foundation empowers future generations to be stewards of their environment and champion against litter. 

Last year, we also engaged a group of high school students in the conservation of sea turtles and their habitat by hosting an overnight patrol and campout at Teopa Beach Sanctuary. These students then shared their learning with their communities through elementary school workshops, a community mural, a beach clean-up and conservation sign installation.

Science in Action: The Litter Scientists Network

For the past two years, the Careyes Foundation has implemented the Litter Scientists Network, an international hands-on research and community engagement program. In December, we hosted an inspiring talk by founder Dr. Martin Thiel.

Middle school students in Punta Pérula apply rigorous methodology to study the composition and source of marine waste before designing and executing mitigation and prevention projects. This initiative not only builds scientific literacy but also inspires young leaders to take responsibility for their environment. Last year, students presented their results to peers across the continent at the virtual Latin American School Congress I.

Through this project, the Careyes Foundation helped the school swap its use of disposable plates and cups for reusable alternatives, greatly reducing their non-recyclable waste. Check out the results from the 2023 study “In search of the origin of plastic bottles” here! 

A Cleaner Future for Costalegre

The Careyes Foundation’s multi-faceted approach—uniting cleanup efforts, environmental education, and community-led research—proves that meaningful change is possible. By cultivating a deep respect for nature, we are protecting Costalegre’s shores today and for future generations. Reach out to us to find out about our upcoming events and how to get involved!

From student to teacher: Meet Victoria and her story at Careyes Foundation

In a corner of Costalegre, where the Pacific touches the shore, a story of learning and returning unfolds in the classrooms of Careyes Foundation. This is the story of Victoria, who was once a student in our English for Children Program and has now returned as a teacher, driven by the belief that education is a bridge between dreams and reality.

Victoria fondly remembers her days as a student at the foundation:

"I have very fond memories of the teachers and the programs the foundation offers. For example, I had fun learning with Teacher Sara; she was always very dynamic and engaging in her teaching. We also eagerly awaited opportunities to participate in sea turtle releases."

For her, those moments were more than just grammar and vocabulary lessons; they were experiences that opened up a world of possibilities.

The decision to become a teacher came naturally. When she had the opportunity to teach at a middle school in Emiliano Zapata to practice her English, she discovered the joy of teaching.

"I realized that I loved working with children. Every day, my motivation is to keep moving forward, but at some point, I understood that it wasn't just about me—it was about so many little individuals whose lives I could brighten".

Now, from the other side of the classroom, she sees the difference between being a student and a teacher.

"As a student, all you have to do is pay attention and participate. But as a teacher, there's much more dedication involved. You have to ensure that children learn without getting bored, that the topics are engaging and dynamic, and, most importantly, that they understand the value of hard work and dedication."

Her experience at the foundation has inspired her to create a lively learning environment where English is taught with enthusiasm.

Every day, Victoria plays a crucial role in a program that impacts the lives of about one hundred children, each with their own unique story.

"They are the future, and as teachers, families, and community members, it is our responsibility to ensure they grow up with hope and opportunities."

For her, education in communities is a shared responsibility and essential for healthy, hopeful development. Her message to those who dream of teaching or working in community support programs is clear:

"Fight for what you want and dream of, especially if it means helping others in a healthy and prosperous environment. When faced with negativity, don't let it bring you down—let it make you stronger and more determined to move forward. Never let your fears take the place of your dreams."

For us, this story serves as a reminder that education transforms not only those who receive it but also those who impart it. In Costalegre and at Careyes Foundation, that transformation continues every day.

Remember that if you want to support our work, you can make a donation today.

Bringing the Carey back to the Careyes Coast

Photo by Juan Tejeda

Do you know where Careyes gets its name? Careyes, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is one of the most important nesting sites for the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (or Carey in Spanish), most likely lending its name to this area.

This species, whose population was drastically reduced due to the demand for their shells, seeks out the peaceful beaches of Careyes’ smaller bays to lay their eggs.

Conservation efforts in Careyes began in 1986 when the first Hawksbill nest was protected. Since then, 184 nests have been safeguarded, resulting in the release of approximately 6,900 baby turtles.

However, in most years, fewer than 10 nests are discovered and protected. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that this year we have a record-breaking 32 nests and counting!

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the local conservation efforts we undertake with the Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Center and the importance of preserving the natural habitats of endangered species like the Hawksbill Sea Turtle.

Each nest represents hope for the survival of these magnificent creatures, and with continued efforts, we aim to protect even more nests in the coming years.

If you’re ever in Careyes, be sure to learn more about the conservation work happening here and how you can get involved in protecting this beautiful region and its wildlife.

And if you want to support our work, donate today.

Liquid Tales Near the Coast: A Collective Exploration of Water through Art

At Careyes Foundation we recently concluded the exhibition Liquid Tales Near the Coast at the Careyes Art Gallery. 

This art project was the second volume of a series of “Liquid Tales”, after a first exhibition called Liquid Tales Near a Lake curated by guadalajara90210, a contemporary art project from Mexico, and presented at the “González Gallo” Cultural Center in Chapala, in collaboration with MEG Museos de Jalisco.

The exhibition invited visitors to a unique open book concept, where each artist joined as a chapter of a collective story. From science to fiction, and through visual explorations, different periods and imaginaries intersect in the work of 10 artists: Sonia Bandura, Zazil Barba, Catalina Barroso Luque, Celestial Brizuela, Valentina Guerrero Marín, Denise Julieta, Chavis Mármol, Valeria Michelle, María Naidich, and Guadalupe Salgado, who have created a vast landscape significantly related to water. 

These artists explored the notion of water's fluidity with different visual media, fusing some concepts and references of science fiction with artistic research that builds a cohesive story between different styles and aesthetic proposals. The result was an illustrated landscape extending through time and combining natural elements with art.

At Careyes Foundation we are very happy to have been part of this innovative project that left a lasting impression on all who saw and witnessed it. 

We remain committed to the development of communities and artists through the exchange of knowledge, and a dialogue that inspires further reflection on nature and our responsibility to care for it.

To learn more about guadalajara90210, go to their website. 

And if you are interested in supporting the Careyes Foundation work, donate today and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.