World Ocean Day

In celebration of World Ocean Day - we wanted to reflect about our trip to the Philippines and seeing some of the amazing, diverse and unique islands in the country. The trip was to learn about the work of passionate colleagues in Panglao Island, Bohol and to visit sites in Coron Palawan. What we observed is the vast diversity of marine life and the threat of development in protecting the sensitive ecosystem in these islands.

According to Oceana.org - The Philippines lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. Its waters host some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems—including vibrant coral reefs, expansive mangrove forests, and extensive seagrass beds. The country is home to 500 to 600 species of reef-building corals and over 2,000 species of marine shore fish. With 7,641 islands, enclosed seas, and rich coastal habitats, the Philippine archipelago supports an incredible variety of marine life—from sea turtles and whale sharks to small reef fishes and deep-sea organisms.

In the spirit of marine and ocean conservation, we wanted to highlight World Oceans Day's call out to all the youth of the world to apply the organization's Youth Advisory Council. The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council is a group of 20-25 young people with  diverse backgrounds from countries around the world, who are actively engaged in conservation efforts in their communities. They unite to share their efforts with each other and the world, develop their leadership skills to strengthen their impact, and inspire millions to take action for our blue planet. 

To learn more and apply please visit the World's Ocean Day website.

 

Peter Oudman - Thank You / Gracias / Merci

The year 2025 began with tragic news for Isa Mundo and our volunteers. The passing of our dear friend and mentor, Peter Oudman, has brought sadness to our group. We are heartbroken and our entire team is sending our love and prayers to his wife Teena, their family and close friends in Canada and globally.

It has taken us a few months to reflect and honour the impact of Señor Peter to the work that Isa Mundo has done and continue to do in the Jalisco and Nayarit region of Mexico. From the time we met Peter and Teena, they have shown us nothing but support and inspiration to continue our work in various communities. But most of all, to share so much of their experience, stories and dedication to help those less fortunate, specially all the children with disabilities and their families in the region. Peter was always there to provide us a ride, his giant hug, his laughter and his kind heart - and that everything that mattered to him and Teena were the livelihood and health of their many children at Casa Connor and Pasitos de Luz, whom they loved and cared for so much. 

Isa Mundo was already so inspired by Casa Connor, as each time we visited - our group left with new found energy to continue to support the facility and its amazing staff and children. But meeting Peter, gave us the added push to learn, share and promote the work and projects that are so important in the community. On behalf of Isa Mundo, thank you so much Peter. We will miss your presence but will never forget your encouraging words and passion. May you rest in peace Señor.  🙏

Vesna Foundation

The trip to the Philippines allowed us to visit and meet members of the Vesna Foundation who are doing exception work in Panglao, Bohol and surrounding areas. Vesna is an environmental conservation group that focuses on the protection and preservation of the biodiversity or the marine environment on the island of Panglao. The group works with local communities, businesses, tourism industry and leaders to carry out research activities and provide workshops and dialogue sessions with government authorities to collaborate on environmental awareness. 

Vesna's work includes: protection of coral reefs; education; eco-diving; monitoring and root waste water treatment projects. Isa Mundo Foundation will continue discussions with Vesna Conservation staff and leaders to find ways to collaborate on projects that are of mutual interest. As we look to learn more and partner with non profit organizations in the Philippines, we will commit to meeting like minded organizations that align with Isa Mundo's objectives on environmental assessment and sustainability. We hope to meet up with Vesna again in 2025 and begin to collaborate on research and preliminary project. 

To learn more about Vesna Conservation, visit their website at www.vesnaconservation.net

Happy Holiday / Joyeuses Fêtes

This past year, with your support and contributions, we were able to help children, families, and communities in Mexico and the Philippines.

On behalf of all those who have benefited from your generosity, we at the Isa Mundo Foundation thank you wholeheartedly for your ongoing support and commitment to improving the present and future of so many.

We look forward to the upcoming year as we continue, together, to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Happy Holidays!

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Chers amis de la fondation Isa Mundo,

Grâce à votre appui et vos contributions, nous avons pu faire une différence dans la vie de plusieurs enfants, familles et communautés du Mexique et en des Philippines.

Tous les gens qui ont profité de votre générosité, ainsi que la Fondation Isa Mundo, vous sont reconnaissants et vous remercient d’avoir contribué à leur bien-être d’aujourd’hui et de demain.

Nous vous souhaitons tous de Joyeuses Fêtes!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today marks the 4th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada. Established in 202 as an official federal holiday - the day is a reminder and to acknowledge the lasting inter generational impact of residential schools in Canada. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, It is to honour and remember children who were taken away from families, communities and their languages and cultures. In addition, the day is intended for education and reflection and to support how to progress reconciliation in Canada.  

Isa Mundo has been supporting and funding various initiatives for NDTC since 2021 including: donating to Indigenous organizations and projects; funding activities and workshops; supporting Indigenous businesses; attending NDTC events and providing training to our volunteers on the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Isa Mundo continues to ensure our organization is fully committed to UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action by doing it's duty to consult, respectful engagement, and ensuring cultural protocols are followed when doing work in traditional territories, Nations and Indigenous communities. 

We call on all our volunteers and supporters to promote the NDTC to their families and circle of friends and network to learn more about the importance of this day and the Orange Shirt Day initiative and the story of Phyllis Webstad. We encourage you to: wear your Orange Shirt; attend events; watch and view documentaries and movies about and produced by Indigenous artists; read books on the history of Indigenous peoples and written by Indigenous authors; reflect on your presence and contribution to the traditional lands you work, live and play; and most importantly, think about how we can individually and collectively progress reconciliation in our own ways and as community members.

Today and everyday, Isa Mundo will continue to explore ways to put reconciliation into action and we encourage everyone to do the same.

hay čxʷ q̓ə [hy-chka, Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Salamat po!  

World Oceans Day

On June 8th, World Oceans Day is celebrated worldwide annually to raise awareness of the importance of oceans and the need to nurture and protect them all. Canada played an important role in launching World Oceans Day in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by having Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada leading discussions with other global partners. In 2008, the UN officially recognized World Oceans Day and everyone to recognize and be reminded that Earth is 70% covered by oceans and the important role they play in regulating climate, homes to diverse marine life and sustain communities worldwide.

This year's theme is "Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate" and will focus on the strength of collaborating and partnering together to build strong and sustainable communities and societies. It is important for everyone to be aware of ocean pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction and to be an ally in raising awareness to reduce plastic use, sustainable fishing practices and continued education on helping to preserve our oceans for future generations. 

Isa Mundo has been participating and supporting projects that focus on conservation and ocean based initiatives such as beach cleanups, dialogue training sessions on reef ball projects, recycling to reduce plastic pollution in water ways and turtle conservation projects. We support ideas directly from communities and promote initiatives supported by the World Oceans Day organization. 

To learn more about World Oceans Day visit The 2024 Action Theme

There are many ways to celebrate and launch activities on World Oceans Day. 

Turtle Conservation Projects

Isa Mundo volunteers were able to visit, learn and participate in a turtle conservation project in the Bay of Banderas region in Mexico. We first visited a small local site in San Pancho where we learned how a certified volunteer can operate a camp and begin to teach and educate both local and international volunteers to assist with operating a turtle conservation camp. It was very informative to know how local developers, home owners, tourists, volunteers and non profit groups work together to ensure the location where turtle mamas lay their eggs are safe and secured. We were impressed with organization of the small camp in San Pancho and participated in the release at sunset joined by volunteers and supporters. 

Our second visit was at the Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates which is in the Marina Vallarta region of the Bay. This is a more established site with outdoor workshop space for new volunteers and tourists to first learn about the camp and conservation work being done prior to the release of baby turtles. The camp also provides simple and basic housing for volunteers who are assisting on a more permanent or monthly basis, including students who are doing research on marine conservation and turtle protection. The camp operates on donations and support from local businesses and surrounding resorts and developers. The camp is located in a beautiful part of the Bay, surrounded by mangroves and away from major structures. 

Isa Mundo committed to support both camps and will be working in partnership this year with other conservation groups to assist the important work being done in the Bay of Banderas region. We would like to thank both Joleen and Charly for their patience and taking the time to show and teach us about this important initiative and the strong collaboration with local community members and dedicated volunteers. 

To learn more, work visit the Campamento Tortugeor Boca de Tomates FB Page.

Thank you / Gracias!