To kick off the new year, SayulitaLife.com is proud to support ProSayulita with a $5,000 MXN community donation. ProSayulita has long been a cornerstone of community support, environmental advocacy, and quality-of-life improvement in Sayulita. Their work benefits residents, visitors, families, businesses, and the overall sustainability of our town.

For readers who may be new to Sayulita, what is ProSayulita and what is your main mission in the community?

ProSayulita’s mission has always been to improve the quality of life for Sayulita’s residents and visitors.

How long has ProSayulita been operating, and how has the organization grown or evolved over the years?

ProSayulita was formed as a 501(c)(3) in the State of Massachusetts in December 2005, making this our 20th year of community service. At one point it grew to over 300 members! Our focus has shifted over time based on community needs and where we can make the most positive impact. We are funded through memberships and individual donations, and we strive to increase membership by providing access to information, connection, and a stronger sense of community.

What are the core programs or initiatives you are currently focused on?

ProSayulita is currently concentrating on four major initiatives, along with responding to urgent community needs as they arise:

1. Trash Management
   Working with GIRRSA and municipal government to improve efficiency and overall garbage collection in town.
2. Ocean Water Quality
   We fund monthly certified ocean water testing through a Guadalajara lab. Testing is completed at two locations (Fisherman’s Beach and North Beach), with samples taken every 4 hours across a 24-hour period, and results publicly shared.
3. Beach Safety
   Twice per year we offer a free Basic Lifeguard Training program to encourage more trained individuals on the beach. We have also purchased and trained people on two AEDs, located at Don Pedros and Bar Miramar, both with 24-hour access.
4. Sustainable Development
   Working with government agencies and local citizen groups to ensure new construction follows regulations and to preserve the natural beauty of Sayulita and surrounding areas as the community grows.

What are some of the biggest challenges ProSayulita is currently working to address?

Trash and water continue to be our most challenging issues. Trash piles attract animals, impact perception of cleanliness, and contribute to contamination. Working alongside GIRRSA and Azul Sayu, we helped acquire 10 large containers that can be lifted and emptied by garbage trucks, significantly improving collection when placed properly. We continue refining placement and community use.

We also continue to test and publish critical ocean water quality data and are working to strengthen collaboration with Oromapas and the wastewater treatment facility to address root causes of contamination when it occurs.

Can you share a recent project or success story?

All four initiatives have produced meaningful results. Ongoing ocean testing gives residents and visitors important safety insight. Our beach safety initiatives have directly helped save lives. A large development in Pascuaritos was recently curtailed due to density violations. Additionally, Belmont (developer at Malpaso Beach) has agreed to fund an eco-friendly trail ensuring continued safe trail access between Sayulita and San Pancho.

Historically, ProSayulita contributed funding and support toward development of the wastewater treatment facility, community disaster response, and efforts to minimize the impact of IMPLAN density expansion plans.

How does Sayulita benefit directly from your work?

We work to address the most critical issues affecting daily life in Sayulita. We also financially support organizations whose efforts align with our initiatives, helping amplify positive community impact.

How will Sayulita Life’s $5,000 peso donation be used?

The initial goal will be to use the funding to help better develop the process by which we can attract and assess submissions of concerned groups of residents and organizations who can take action supporting our primary goals

Is this donation supporting a specific project or ongoing programs?

Most likely ongoing programs that further our core initiatives and responsiveness.

What immediate needs will this help address?

It will support outreach, communication, and faster activation on community priorities.

How can locals and visitors get involved?

First and foremost — become a ProSayulita member!
Volunteer opportunities include beach and river clean-up events and participation in our Basic Lifeguard Training program returning in March.

Are there areas where you need more community support?

Yes — particularly with responsible trash handling. Following trash placement timing guidelines and using designated collection centers helps tremendously.

What goals does ProSayulita have for 2025 and beyond?

We will continue advancing our primary initiatives while adapting to evolving community needs. We also hope to expand funding support for aligned local groups.

Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

We are exploring the possibility of funding two full-time positions dedicated to street cleaning and reporting waste violations.

What positive changes do you hope to see in Sayulita?

We hope Sayulita continues to grow while preserving the beauty, charm, and livability that make this town so special for residents and visitors alike.

What is the best way for people to learn more, donate, or support?

Visit ProSayulita.com to learn more, become a member, or make a one-time donation. Every contribution truly makes a difference. We are registered as “Friends of Sayulita” for anyone with a Charitable Trust wishing to donate funds.

Anything else you’d like the community to know?

Only that we love the town and community and hope that by continuing to work across the government, local agencies and other volunteer organizations we can have a meaningful positive impact on Sayulita’s future.