Photography: Edwin Morales
Puerto Escondido, with its world-class waves such as Zicatela and Punta Colorada, has been officially designated as the 14th World Surfing Reserve (WSR).
The World Surfing Reserves program is managed by Save The Waves Coalition, an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the world. Ericeira was consecrated on October 14, 2011, as the second in the world and the only one in the “old” European continent.
in Puerto Escondido, surfing is not just a sport—it’s identity, community, and a deep respect for the ocean
The designation of Puerto Escondido as a World Surfing Reserve is the result of years of community effort to protect its waves, ecosystems, and ocean culture. Save The Waves and local partners in Oaxaca recently gathered to hold the consecration ceremony with community members, surfers, and fans of the “Mexican Pipeline.”
“Playa Zicatela is much more than a famous world-class wave. It’s a community united by respect for the ocean and by the passion of those who feel the sea is part of their lives.”
Globally renowned for the Zicatela wave, the new Puerto Escondido WSR hosts a variety of waves and surf ecosystems. Spanning 10 kilometers and eight unique breaks, the Reserve includes Punta Colorada, La Punta de Zicatela, Playa Marinero, Playa Carrizalillo, and more.
The World Surfing Reserves program was launched in 2009 and now includes 14 sites around the world—Malibu and Santa Cruz in California; Ericeira in Portugal; Gold Coast, Manly, and Noosa in Australia; Punta de Lobos in Chile; Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica; Huanchaco in Peru; Guarda do Embaú in Brazil; North Devon in the United Kingdom; Todos Santos Bay in Baja California, Mexico; and Oriente Salvaje in El Salvador.
As part of Save The Waves’ global conservation program, each World Surfing Reserve adopts a Local Stewardship Plan to address and advance key conservation goals in the area. For Puerto Escondido, three priorities were identified:
- Improving water quality and preventing land-based pollution
- Restoring the Zicatela wave
- Protecting critical ecosystems.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
