About us

About us

We are an environmental fund

We have been operating since 2021 in the states of Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo; and in the Mesoamerican Reef System, the second largest barrier reef in the world shared by Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala.

We aim to achieve a more sustainable and resilient Mexican southeast through financing and promoting socio-environmental initiatives, projects, collaborations, and comprehensive and impactful actions that make a significant difference.

Mision

To channel financial resources and promote collaborative and comprehensive initiatives with long-term impact. Through an approach based on trust, flexibility, and transparency, we seek to be the financial engine for regional transformation, connecting socio-environmental efforts with the fundamental needs of local communities.

Vision

Achieving a harmonious balance between biodiversity conservation and human well-being leads the way towards a sustainable future where nature and people thrive in harmony.

Our values

Commitment to the community

We work closely with local communities, respecting their voices and knowledge, to achieve a positive and sustainable impact. We believe that meaningful change begins at the local level.

Integrity and Transparency

We act honestly and responsibly, maintaining open and transparent communication with all our partners and allies. We strive to exemplify ethics and integrity in all our activities.

Innovation and Adaptability

In a constantly changing world, innovation and adaptability are essential. We strive to be at the forefront, implementing creative and efficient solutions to environmental and social challenges. 

Collaboration and Collectivity

We encourage collaborations between different actors and work with partners and allies to achieve common goals. We value alliances and teamwork and recognize that cooperation and collective effort are essential to achieving lasting and significant change.

Excellence and Accountability

We strive for excellence in everything we do. We work with international standards and monitoring mechanisms to ensure our initiatives yield measurable results. We are committed to transparency, ethics, and responsibility in our actions and decisions. 

Resource Management

To facilitate resource management, Sureste Sostenible provides efficient and transparent resource management services for other organizations that lack the necessary capabilities. The administration fee is 12% of the donation received. Additionally, we offer a capacity-building program that helps organizations develop the skills needed to meet the required standards for obtaining and managing contributions. 

If you want to learn more about collaborating with us, fill out this easy form, and we will contact you.

Donors and partnerships

We thank our donors and partners for their generous support and collaboration. Thanks to their commitment and dedication, we have made significant progress in our mission and goals.

Every donation and gesture of support represents a vote of confidence in our cause, and we are deeply grateful for that.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community and your continued commitment to our mission. We look forward to your valuable collaboration and working together for a better future.

Know us

Our team

At Sureste Sostenible, A.C., we are convinced that conservation and sustainable development are fundamental to the well-being of our communities and the future of our planet. Our team is made up of passionate and committed individuals, who combine their experience and knowledge to face the most urgent environmental challenges.

María Eugenia Arreola

Executive director
I have more than 20 years of experience designing and leading socio-environmental projects in multinational organizations and civil society organizations. I like to build networks and strengthen collaborative alliances with impact, as well as developing talent. I love nature, particularly marine and coastal ecosystems, and I enjoy swimming, especially in the sea.
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Lourdes Barrera

Administrator
I have been working with non-profit organizations for 17 years. At Sureste Sostenible, my job is to innovate processes, supervise the organization's administration, create manuals and ensure that we comply with all the authorities' requirements. I love cooking, crafts and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Laura González

Kanan Kay Alliance Coordinator
For more than 10 years, I have collaborated with government, civil society, academia and the private sector in the management of projects that seek to promote sustainable strategies and responsible management of our natural resources. My true passion lies in governance and analysis of public policies that benefit coastal communities and strengthen their cultural identity. I enjoy being in contact with nature and connecting deeply with people, to generate a positive and lasting impact.
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Luis Quijano

Field technician
Since I was a child, I have had a great fixation with the sea, which led me to study a degree in Marine Biology, where I discovered my love for conservation and diving. Since 2022, I have been collaborating hand in hand with the communities of the Yucatan Peninsula in the creation of ZRP. I have always been fascinated by knowing and learning about different cultures, and how food influences them.
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Sergio Marcos

Field technician
I am a biologist and have directed my professional career towards promoting systemic and generational change that addresses the current needs of those groups of people interested in the sustainability, care, assessment, protection and conservation of the marine environment. I am passionate about listening to the stories and knowledge of the people in the communities I work with, accompanied by a good cup of coffee.
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Noelia Morell

Project Officer
I seek to contribute to the co-construction of more just and dignified socio-environmental realities for all living beings. I studied international relations and have a specialty in the design and systemic evaluation of socio-environmental projects. At Sureste Sostenible, I coordinate capacity-building programs. I am a curious person, I love to study and learn.
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Vicente Ferreyra Acosta

Secretary
Vicente Ferreyra Acosta is a leading specialist in sustainable and social tourism in Mexico and Latin America. Founder and Director of Sustentur, with 20 years of experience advising destinations, governments and companies on sustainability practices. He has worked with global institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank. He has a degree in Tourism and a Master's degree in Environmental Management, as well as being a speaker and founder of the Sustainable & Social Tourism Summit. Internationally recognized and awarded, he has been part of the board of Sureste Sostenible since 2021.

José Luis Funes

President
José Luis is an environmental lawyer with master's degrees in Environmental Law and Wildlife Management (CITES). He has worked in the state and federal government environmental sector in Mexico, collaborating with different institutions including: the CCA, ANAAE and SEMARNAT. Since 2019 he has been a national and international environmental legal consultant, collaborating with GIZ, MARFUND, IFAW, Defenders of Wildlife, among other organizations. Advisor to Sureste Sostenible since 2021 and passionate about history, cinema and achieving the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Alejandra Serrano Pavón

Treasurer
Alejandra Serrano Pavón is a lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in environmental law at national and international level and has a specialty in procedural law. She has worked in the defense of the Human Right to a healthy environment, leading and supporting litigation, campaigns and legislative reforms. She was director of the CEMDA Southeast office and since 2017 she has been a lawyer at ELAW leading coastal marine work, collaborating with lawyers in the defense of land and environment in more than 80 countries. She has been a member of the Sustainable Southeast Council since its inception and is passionate about the sea, music, creative processes and stand-up.

Evelia Rivera-Arriaga

Board Member
Evelia Rivera-Arriaga, a biologist with a master's degree and a PhD in Marine Policy, has coordinated RICOMAR since 2007 and has been a research professor at the UAC for 34 years. She was head of the Secretariat of the Environment of Campeche and a consultant for the IDB and UNDP. She led the 6th Climate Change Communication and has worked in coastal management and environmental policies. Member of the Global Ocean Forum Policy Advisory Board, she has directed 30 projects and given more than 100 conferences. SS Advisor since 2023 and passionate about achieving sustainable coastal and marine areas that are resilient to climate change.

Committees of our projects

Kanan Kay Alliance

Liderazgo SAM y Kaanbal Suut

Surveillance Committee

Sureste Sostenible