Comprised of 15 online modules and one week of onsite learning activities at the Sierra Gorda Earth Center, the diploma course “Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future” came to an end.  For the onsite component, we hosted the visit of 32 course participants from 11 Mexican states.  In addition to classroom activities, participants had the opportunity to take field trips and become acquainted with Sierra Gorda project activities. In July, we will host a second group of 33 teachers for their onsite week.  The diploma course was made possible through the support of many institutions, including UNESCO, which permitted translation and use of its curriculum materials; the Mitsubishi Foundation and the National Mount of Mercy for financial support; the Autonomous University of Querétaro for support of the Virtual Campus; the Secretary of Public Education for its endorsement, official recognition, and inclusion as a professional development option; and, finally, the staff of the Earth Center. 

To celebrate the 22^nd anniversary of the Sierra Gorda Ecological Group, and with thanks for support of the Cinépolis Foundation,  a premiere showing of the film “HOME,” photographed and produced by French filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand, was given in the facilities of Cinépolis in the state capital, to completely full venues; there was a very strong interest among those attending.  Prior to the events, there were brief introductions to the tasks and trajectory of the Sierra Gorda Ecological Group as well as a presentation about the biodiversity of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, whose conservation has been, and continues to be, the central motivation for our work.

In a continuing relationship with the Peace Corps of the Government of the United States of America, we received three new volunteers who each are beginning two years of service in the project.  After two years of excellent service, former Peace Corps volunteer biologists Ben and Alina Lenth recently returned to the U.S..  At the same time, we extend our appreciation to the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and volunteers Tomoko Hayashi and Chieko Azuma who also recently left after a period of two years of service.  All four contributed quality service, consistent dedication, conscientiousness, and punctuality benefiting the people of Sierra Gorda and the project.

This year, we emphasized building capacity and benefits for ecotourism projects as part of providing the necessary tools for management and administration of their micro-enterprises.  For the associations and workers in the ecotourism project “Rincón del Ojo de Agua” of San Juan, a course on tourism was given by the state´s Secretary for Tourism.  The course was very well attended and was of great interest to those present.  Participants also received instruction in first aid methods that can be safely administered to tourists, along with the use of resuscitation equipment.  In the ecotourism project of Santa Maria de Cocos, beneficiaries have been receiving follow-up in the training courses offered in 2008: Attention to the Tourist; Tourist Planning; Administration and Preparation of Foods; among others. 

As the refuge for the last colony of military macaws (Ara militaris) in the center of the country, the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve shelters a population of approximately 100 birds.  A gregarious species, macaws daily seek their food over a range of large distances, and form pairs for life.  The species is in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat, capture for sale in pet stores, and the killing of some by thoughtless people.  The Sótano del Barro (Mud Sinkhole) is a core zone of the reserve, which is the species´ principal refuge and a site where it is can rest secure and nest.