Beyond Borders: WILDCOAST Is Exploring New Conservation Frontiers

Founded and led by Serge Dedina—a lifelong surfer, San Diegan, and former politician—WILDCOAST (or COSTASALVAJE, as it’s known across the border) is on a mission to safeguard the delicate balance of coastal and marine environments. 

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From Marine Conservationist To Mayor (and back!)

Serge Dedina’s professional path has included stints in marine conservation, environmental activism, lifeguarding, and even two terms as the mayor of San Diego’s Imperial Beach, a city located on the Mexican border. A passionate advocate for the coasts and oceans, Dedina’s years spent co-creating conservation programs in Baja California and Sea of Cortez for The Nature Conservancy—which culminated in the development of several national parks—inspired him to design an environmental nonprofit organization of his own.

WILDCOAST quickly evolved from its grassroots humble beginnings into a powerful international force dedicated to conserving coastal and marine ecosystems with natural solutions. From initiating an international campaign to protect the habitats of gray whales, to spearheading the expansion of coastal and MPA’s along the Baja coast, Dedina has amassed a lifetime of experience in coastal conservation. And for the past twenty years, he’s channeled that experience into WILDCOAST.

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WILDCOAST’s Impact Across Borders

From the Pacific coasts of Mexico to the Caribbean shores of Central America, the organization's collaborative approach creates a ripple effect of positive change. With a team that spans multiple countries, languages, and communities, WILDCOAST is not only fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the health of our oceans but creating a multilingual and multidimensional approach to coastal conservation. 

The organization collaborates with local communities on both sides of the border to safeguard millions of acres of vital habitats—including coastlines, islands, coral reefs, and mangroves. WILDCOAST is also involved in wildlife conservation initiatives, namely endangered sea turtles and California's gray whale. The group also stands at the forefront of blue carbon work targeting mangroves in Mexico as crucial carbon sinks. 

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A Multifaceted Approach To Conservation

Although WILDCOAST is involved in a variety of efforts along the California and Baja coastline, reaching its goals is truly a community effort. Their work with local conservation organizations and ejidos (communal agrarian cooperatives) to protect marine ecosystems and miles of coastline from developers, the organization is making an impact by both land and sea.

One of the organization’s most notable projects is their ongoing work with gray whales. WILDCOAST works with the San Ignacio Lagoon Conservation Alliance, Mexico's National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, fishermen, and local communities in the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve and Bahia Magdalena to enhance protections of gray whale lagoons.

In a similar vein, WILDCOAST has been instrumental in expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the California and Mexican coastlines. It’s helped to train over four thousand volunteers to monitor the health of California’s protected areas—many of which are home to kelp forests and reef ecosystems—and has contributed to protecting over 545,000 acres of coastal and marine ecosystems in the state, with an additional 38.2 million acres in Mexico.

By replenishing Mexican coastal mangrove forests, WILDCOAST has created its latest scientific collaboration—the Blue Carbon Collaborative. Partnering with leading marine research groups, including San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography, WILDCOAST built a forum for scientists and policymakers to invest more resources into researching blue carbon, a critical factor in minimizing the effects of climate change.

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Amplifying WILDCOAST's Message 

WILDCOAST's commitment to creating the next generation of ocean stewards is also reflected in its educational materials and immersive field days for students. Through lesson plans and curriculum materials, the organization ensures that there’s material for every generation to get inspired to become stewards of the sea. There are also many opportunities to support WILDCOAST’S projects. 

Volunteers can sign up to get involved with the organization’s MPA Watch program, or participate in wetland restoration, coastal cleanups, or fundraising and outreach efforts. Thanks to the tireless energy of Dedina’s team and the communities it collaborates with, WILDCOAST remains an international beacon of hope for the seas and the communities that depend on them.

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An Ode To Oceans 

As the tides of change continue to roll in, WILDCOAST remains a critical figure in ecosystem-based conservation on both sides of the international border. From the depths of coral reefs to the sprawling mangrove forests, the organization’s tireless efforts serve as a testament to the power of dedicated individuals and organizations, in shaping a harmonious future between humans and the sea. 

Get Involved

• Check out WILDCOAST’s YouTube Channel for a glimpse into their ongoing projects or follow them on Instagram for updates on their conservation initiatives and partnerships.
• Take a look at the Newsroom tab to read more about WILDCOAST’s latest work.