Management and Restoration for the
Punta Banda Estuary
in Ensenada, Baja California
A unique wetland
The Punta Banda Estuary, located 15 km southeast of Ensenada, Baja California, is a coastal ecosystem of great international importance. Three interconnected environments converge in this space: sandy beach, marshes, and dunes, which together form a refuge for numerous species of flora and fauna.
​
Due to its ecological importance, the estuary is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the RAMSAR Convention and is part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Network.
Why is this place important?
The estuary is not only a sanctuary for migratory birds traveling from the Arctic to South America, it also performs vital functions:
1
It is a barrier against storms and coastal erosion
Essentially, it works as a natural shield against extreme events. Its dunes and marshes absorb the force of waves during storms and hurricanes, reducing the impact on nearby communities. They also help maintain the stability of the coastline, preventing sand and soil from being lost through erosion.
2
Stores carbon, helping to mitigate climate change
The estuary's vegetation, particularly its marshlands, captures and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process known as carbon sequestration. In fact, these ecosystems can store more carbon per hectare than many forests, contributing to the health of the planet.
3
Conserves threatened native and endemic species
This is home to many species that only exist in this region or that depend on its dunes, marshes, and beaches for survival. Some are at risk due to habitat loss in other parts of the world. It is a vital refuge for insects, reptiles, unique plants, and mammals that find food, rest, and a safe place to live here.
Facing a constant problem…
The Estero de Punta Banda is a natural estuary located 15 km southeast of the city of Ensenada. As a coastal body of water, it is home to a great diversity of species, including migratory birds that make the sandbar their home at certain times of the year. Unfortunately, the arrival of invasive species has led to a decline in the site's species diversity, putting several of the site's species at risk of extinction. This project in collaboration with the San Diego Audubon Society, with funding from the San Diego Foundation, aims to create a management and restoration plan for the Estero de Punta Banda.
From June 2023 to June 2025, Fauna del Noroeste A.C. has lead a collective restoration effort within the Antonio Perisky Private Reserve, in collaboration with partners such as the San Diego Bird Alliance, the San Diego Foundation, the JiJi Foundation, Pro Esteros, CRA El Alfarero, CETYS, Montessori schools, local communities, and volunteers. During this period, we have achieved:
​
-
18 ecological restoration workdays.
-
Removal of 13,621 m² of invasive vegetation (over 20 tons of organic material).
-
Restoration and marking of the interpretive trail with more than 30 new, reprinted, or reinforced signs.
-
Organization of 7 environmental education events with the participation of over 100 people, where they learned about the importance of the estuary.
-
Monitoring of the ecosystem’s recovery, recording the return of native species such as the dune sunflower (Helianthus niveus) and Acmispon prostratus, which are endemic to the region.
-
Documentation of two insect species previously unrecorded in Mexico, a finding of great scientific value.
What have we done?
Our hope for the Punta Banda Estuary
We celebrate the progress made, but we know there's still much to be done, and it won't be easy. So far, we've restored 11% of the interpretive trail and just 1% of the Sandy Tongue.
​
Our hope is that actions like these continue with sustained efforts and that we can recruit more people and institutions to ensure this coastal wetland is conserved long-term, as a place where wildlife and the community can coexist in balance.
More Information
PUNTA BANDA ESTUARY RESTORATION PLAN
December 2024
Strategies against invasive species and urban development to restore the site's ecological resilience.
EPB SANDY TONGUE ACTIVITY REPORT
June 2025
Two years of restoration, science, and education in the Punta Banda Estuary: learn more about Fauna del Noroeste's work to conserve this unique wetland in Baja California.
FIRST RECORD OF MYOPORE THRIPS IN MEXICO
August 2025
A discovery by our restoration coordinator in the Punta Banda Estuary, with support from citizen science.
Aknowledgments
The Estero de Punta Banda is a natural estuary located 15 km southeast of the city of Ensenada. As a coastal body of water, it is home to a great diversity of species, including migratory birds that make the sandbar their home at certain times of the year. Unfortunately, the arrival of invasive species has led to a decline in the site's species diversity, putting several of the site's species at risk of extinction. This project in collaboration with the San Diego Audubon Society, with funding from the San Diego Foundation, aims to create a management and restoration plan for the Estero de Punta Banda.