The Mission To Protect Mexico's Pristine Pointbreaks Is On, And You Can Help

Among the most dreamy surf zones in the world, the effort is underway to protect and preserve three of Mexico’s premier sand-bottom points. Save The Waves and a coalition of local partners have just launched a proposal for the Punta Conejo Protected Area.

The goal is to safeguard over 3,500 of land and 6.5 miles of coastline, including Punta Conejo, Punta Chivo and Punta Escondida. The effort would not only keep the point breaks safe for the foreseeable future, but would also protect mangrove forests, over 40 different species of birds and four species of turtle.

After a port development project was announced in 2019, Save The Waves, Reservas de Surf Mexico, A.C., Wildcoast, and Union de Surfistas y Salvavidas de Salina Cruz, A.C., jumped into action and endeavored to find a solution to protect the important marine environment. A petition was circulated that got over a quarter million signatures, and now, working in concert with the area’s locals and understanding their needs and desires, the proposed Punta Conejo Protected Area offers more concrete steps in ensuring the area remains open and wild. Since the port development issue reared its head, Save The Waves has hosted over 25 community workshops and meetings in four local Salina Cruz villages to discuss the matter and propose possible solutions.

“After a long but rewarding journey, joint efforts have resulted in the communities voting and advocating for the establishment of a coastal conservation area that includes wetlands, mangrove forests, beaches, surf breaks, and coastal dunes,” Mara Arroyo, Conservation Program Manager at Save The Waves, explained a press statement. “By uniting local partners, our coalition aims to safeguard these ecosystems.”

Seeking legal protection for the coastal area, this would be the first-ever coastal “Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna” in Oaxaca.

“An urgent decision must be made to protect the site from commodification and deforestation to guarantee the ecological services on which its inhabitants depend,” said Efraín Olachea, Environmental Lawyer and STW coordinator of the campaign. “The protection of wetlands and mangroves is an issue of national importance to fight against climate change and water scarcity.”

“Everything we have been working for in this campaign is coming to a turning point. What we can do here, together, is preserve not only the amazing wave that is Punta Conejo, but everything around it. It’s the unique intersection of the surf ecosystem that we believe is worth protecting,” adds Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves.

For those that have enjoyed a surf trip to the area, you know just how special it is. For those that haven't been, tis the season to book a trip and score some of the best waves of your life. Save The Waves has reopened their petition. Learned more and sign the petition here.