ACPB Leads Local Participation at National Ornithological Conference in Ensenada

Hiram Moreno, co-chair of the Punta Banda Conservation Alliance, facilitating a speaker session at CECAM

Birds Connecting Borders

The Punta Banda Conservation Alliance (ACPB) proudly took a leading role at the XXII Congreso para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves en México (CECAM)—the most important ornithological conference in the country—held for the first time in Ensenada, Baja California, from September 28 to October 2, 2025.

The event was organized by Mexico’s national ornithological society, Society for the Study and Conservation of Birds in Mexico (CIPAMEX). It was jointly hosted by the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE) and the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC). The conference gathered more than 280 ornithologists, researchers, conservationists, students, community monitors, and bird enthusiasts from Mexico, the United States, and Latin America under the theme “Birds Connecting Borders and Knowledge.”

This year’s historic conference marked a major milestone for Ensenada and for Baja California’s conservation community, showcasing the growing importance of the region’s wetlands and coastal ecosystems in national and binational bird conservation strategies.

ACPB Leadership and Presence at CECAM

At the XXII CECAM, the Punta Banda Conservation Alliance played a central role.

Hiram Moreno, co-chair of ACPB, served as the local host, organizer, and leader of the Local Organizing Committee, working closely with academic, governmental, and civil-society partners to bring the congress to Ensenada—an idea first proposed during CECAM 2024 and realized after months of planning.

Moreno’s leadership ensured a strong presence of Baja California conservation initiatives, particularly those focused on estuarine and coastal wetland ecosystems. The Alliance presented elements of its ongoing Estero de Punta Banda Community Conservation Program, which integrates ecological monitoring, restoration, stewardship, and cross-sector collaboration.

Ellen Berryman, ACPB’s co-chair, participated actively in scientific discussions and was a key contributor to the Binational Working Session of the Sonoran Joint Venture (SJV) held during the congress. Her participation strengthened dialogue on cross-border monitoring, coastal bird conservation, and binational coordination relevant to the Californias.

Together, the cochairs emphasized the Alliance’s commitment to community-led conservation and to strengthening partnerships across disciplines and borders.

In addition to the co-chairs, three members of the ACPB Steering Committee were represented at the conference by presenting results of their research. Speakers included Horacio de la Cueva, Liliana Ortiz, and Laura Ibarra. Short bios for these ACPB members as well as Hiram and Ellen (El) can be found here.

Liliana Ortiz, Steering Committee member of the Punta Banda Conservation Alliance, giving a presentation on her Punta Banda research on the California Least Tern.

Citizen Science, Innovation, and Cross-Border Collaboration

CECAM sessions highlighted the rising importance of citizen science, local monitoring groups, and collaborative academic-community efforts. Presentations showcased the value of community involvement in bird monitoring, bioacoustic research, university-based conservation initiatives, and habitat management programs across the country.

Keynote addresses by distinguished researchers—including long-term coastal bird studies, migratory connectivity work, and innovative conservation programs—demonstrated the relevance of Baja California’s wetlands within larger continental-scale ecological processes.

The binational SJV working session, where ACPB participated, positioned the region’s conservation challenges and opportunities within a broader collaborative context, underscoring the importance of shared knowledge, monitoring tools, and coordinated action across the U.S.–Mexico border.

Looking Ahead

The XXII CECAM laid the foundation for continued collaboration between local communities, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and international partners.

The Punta Banda Conservation Alliance will continue advancing its mission of protecting and restoring the Punta Banda Estuary through scientific monitoring, restoration, local stewardship, and binational cooperation.

As Baja California gains visibility within national and international ornithology, the Alliance remains committed to fostering conservation that connects people, wetlands, and birds across borders.

November 2025 | Punta Banda Conservation Alliance – Co-chairs: Hiram Moreno & Ellen Berryman