About us For 29 years, this grassroots movement has been a constant presence in communities in the state of Queretaro, achieving the presidential decree of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in 1997, the most bio-diverse natural protected area in Mexico. Working through co-participation between local civil society and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, we have achieved preservation and execution of protection measures, sharing the accumulated knowledge in other regions of the country. OUR MISSION To preserve natural wealth by generating development opportunities, replicating the lessons learned in other regions of Mexico through collaborative work with institutions, authorities and local communities, nationally and internationally.

Strategic Actions Sierra Gorda is a natural protected area with the highest degree of social participation in Mexico. The organization is member of multiple international networks. We work towards a sustainable culture with new civic values, diversifying opportunities through ecosystem services and developing new skills to build an economy for conservation. We organize, coach and provide support to local and regional civil society organizations to adopt best practices and strengthen social entrepreneurship. We have a vast, ongoing experience of sustainable practices and pioneering initiatives. We are ready to replicate the knowledge we have acquired, providing a multiple solution to poverty, climate change and biodiversity conservation.

Sierra Gorda Preservation Alliance “Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda” (Sierra Gorda Ecologic Group) is the principal organization of the Sierra Gorda Preservation Alliance. It is constituted by the following organizations: Bosque Sustentable, A.C. (Sustainable Forests) Productos y Servicios Turísticos Sierra Gorda, S.A. de C.V. (Sierra Gorda Turistic Services) Joya del Hielo, A.C. (Ice Jewell) Viva Sierra Gorda

Summer 2017 Social Internship Program Week 1 The students will get to know the strategic actions to manage a conservation model based on local participation. Week 2 The students will learn and perform sustainable practices to measure soil regeneration. Week 3 Supported by members of the organization, the students will provide assesment to local entrepreneurs, in the areas of sustainable and development projects. Week 4 Monitoring carbon contents in forests will be done, applying the acquired knowledge. Week 5 Using bio-construction techniques, the students will remodel and construct public spaces for the community. Week 6 Based on Holistic Management proposals, the students will work on soil regeneration techniques. Week 7 Approach with local and regional civil society organizations. Week 8 Based on local and regional indicators, the students will perform an evaluation of the community’s development, through the analysis of local capacities.

Summer 2017 Social Internship Program DATES: 4 week program: First session: May 28th through June 24th Second session: June 25th to July 22nd. 8 week program: May 28th through July 22nd Program Cost: 4 weeks: $2,100.00USD 8 weeks: $3,850.00USD The cost includes: Activities within the program 8 weeks double room accommodation in cabins All breakfasts + One daily meal during the program All transportation required for the program Diploma of participation The cost does not include: Airfare Personal expenses Any expense not detailed in the program Medical International Insurance (mandatory)

INFORMATION and further contact Sofía Corona International Programs Office @ Querétaro scoronabr@itesm.mx Patricia Jacques Director Boston Liaison Office pejacque@itesm.mx