Our Story
Playa La Saladita is more than a surf destination. It is a coastal community where the ocean, rivers, mangroves, wildlife, local families, and visitors are deeply connected.
As tourism and development continue to grow, so does the importance of protecting the natural resources that make this place special.
Proyecto Saladita: Protección Costera y Reciclaje, A.C. was created to help meet that challenge through community-led coastal conservation. Our work focuses on practical solutions that reduce waste, strengthen environmental awareness, encourage responsible stewardship, and help protect the coast for future generations.
We are honored to continue the work started more than a decade ago by the Azulita Project, whose efforts helped build environmental awareness and community engagement throughout the region. With their ongoing support and mentorship, Proyecto Saladita represents the next chapter of local conservation—guided by community leadership, built on experience, and powered by people who care.
Our Mission
To protect the coastal environment of Playa La Saladita and surrounding communities by reducing plastic waste, building strong local recycling systems, and empowering people through education and action.
Our Vision
We envision Playa La Saladita as a place where protecting the coast becomes part of daily life. Through local action, community involvement, environmental education, and practical solutions, we aim to create a model that can inspire and support other coastal communities facing similar challenges.
A Community-Driven Effort
Our work is guided by a commitment to coastal conservation, sustainability, recycling, education, and community empowerment.
We believe lasting change happens when local residents, visitors, businesses, and community leaders work together toward a shared goal. Through volunteer leadership and community participation, Proyecto Saladita creates opportunities for people to become active stewards of the environment and the future of Playa La Saladita.
Meet our Team
VIRIDIANA
Born and raised in Zihuatanejo, Viri has a background in graphic design and years of experience in the public sector, where she worked on health and social programs that brought essential services to underserved communities. This work shaped her deep understanding of grassroots logistics, public outreach, and community impact. Now living in Playa La Saladita, Viri brings her skills and passion to environmental work through Proyecto Saladita—driven by a commitment to protect the coast she calls home and inspire local responsibility through small, consistent actions.
ANA LUISA
Ana Luisa is an independent consultant in organizational management with experience in nonprofits focused on human rights and social impact. She has worked with CEPAD, VIHAS DE VIDA, and Colectivo Meta (COMETA), and has supported community initiatives like the PERAJ mentorship program in Guadalajara. She holds a degree in International Business from the University of Guadalajara and participated in the Weltwärts international volunteer program in Germany.
SCOTT
With 25 years of experience as an IT executive, Scott has built a successful career leading technology teams and driving innovation in the ever-evolving tech industry. Having grown up in the Scouts, Scott developed a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation at a young age. Now, Scott is focused on applying his leadership experience to environmental issues where he can make a meaningful impact.
MARY
As Director of the Azulita Project, a nonprofit that empowers community action to prevent and reduce plastic waste, Mary is excited to share her organizational management and program development experience with Proyecto Saladita. Mary joined the Azulita team as a founding board member in 2015, and she is so pleased that Proyecto Saladita is building from and expanding the Azulita Project vision. Mary is passionate about building solutions-oriented programs that inspire people to make change.
ILIANET
A surfer since a young age, Ilianet is known in Playa La Saladita for her calm presence and deep love for the ocean. She’s a key part of her family’s restaurant; a local favorite rooted in tradition and community. She also launched a surf coaching camp, helping others experience the waves with skill and confidence.
With a degree in Economics, Ilianet brings purpose and care to her work. She’s excited to be part of a collective effort to protect the place she calls home and help build a cleaner, more resilient future for her community.
LAINIE
Lainie has worked as a biologist for the last 30 years. She and her husband Mike are cofounders of the Azulita Project, a US-based 501c3 that managed a Mexican asociación civil (nonprofit) of the same name for over a decade. This international work focused on reducing plastic pollution and increasing environmental education in the communities surrounding Los Llanos. She is thrilled to be a part of Proyecto Saladita and continue helping local and community leaders address plastic pollution issues in the Saladita community.
Looking Ahead
Proyecto Saladita is committed to building long-term solutions that support coastal conservation, environmental education, responsible tourism, and community stewardship.
As our organization grows, we look forward to expanding programs that protect the natural resources, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems that make Playa La Saladita such a special place to live and visit.