About Us
Saving Our Sharks AC. It is a non-profit organization in operation since 2010, which has been supported by various alliances in the governmental, social and private sectors in Quintana Roo and Mexico.
Mission
Vision
Our Team
Saving Our Sharks is made up of diving and conservation personalities, scientists and ecologists focused on shark conservation and promoting community, government and business actions in favor of sustainable development!
SOSF Team
Board of Directors
José Luis Funes
José Luis Funes Izaguirre is a prominent environmental lawyer with over 20 years of experience in conservation and environmental management. He holds master's degrees in Environmental Law from the University of the Basque Country and in Management and Conservation of Traded Species from the International University of Andalusia. He has held key positions in the Quintana Roo Ministry of Ecology and Environment, as well as in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) as Director General of Wildlife, where he represented Mexico before the CITES Convention. Since 2019, he has worked as an international environmental legal consultant on high-impact projects. In 2023, he received the Ramón Bravo Prieto Medal of Merit in Ecological Protection for his work in the conservation of marine ecosystems.
Luis Lombardo
Luis Lombardo holds a degree in Biology and a master's degree in Marine Ecology. He has dedicated his career to shark conservation and has achieved significant progress, including the installation of an acoustic telemetry system along the Quintana Roo coast, the creation of the Mexican Caribbean Bull Shark Identification Guide, and the development of a continuous monitoring program. He also directed a training program for dive centers and established a community fund for shark conservation in Playa del Carmen. He collaborated on the creation of the boundaries of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, which includes Playa del Carmen, thanks to the presence of sharks and the results of management and monitoring programs.
After 13 years leading shark conservation in the region, in 2023 he joined the Saving Our Sharks Foundation as Director of Projects and Operations to continue his work and expand its impact.
Melodie Trevino
Melodie Treviño is a committed advocate for the ocean and Executive Director of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, Bringing a unique combination of expertise to marine conservation, she is based on the Caribbean coast and is a certified Trimix (450 ft/137 m) diver, specializing in cave and wreck diving, as well as underwater exploration, including Taam Ja, the world's deepest blue hole, and the Xunaan Ha Expedition, part of The Planet Perpetual Initiative supported by Rolex.
Melodie holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and the University of Twente, specializing in Geopolitics and Sustainability, respectively. She combines her academic background with a deep passion for the ocean. As the founder of a company focused on regenerative tourism, she understands the importance of sustainable practices and community engagement.
In her role within Saving Our Sharks, Melodie uses her experience to to promote fundraising strategies, build strategic alliances and expand the foundation's impact on shark and ray conservation. She is committed to addressing the problem of shark fishing, supporting ecosystem regeneration, and promoting responsible tourism that benefits local communities. A passionate athlete and naturalist, Melodie is determined to protect the wonders of the ocean and ensure a sustainable future for marine life.
Alex Zozaya
Alex Zozaya is an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the tourism sector. As CEO of Apple Leisure Group and founder of AMResorts, he led prominent brands in the hospitality industry. He has received numerous awards within the tourism sector and has been recognized for his commitment to strengthening tourism in various countries.
Following the sale of Apple Leisure Group in 2021, Alex has focused his efforts on philanthropy. He is President of the Amigos de Jesús orphanage in Honduras and of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation. His social commitment and extensive experience in the tourism sector make him a key leader in the protection of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Alex is spearheading an ambitious strategy that seeks to transform the paradigm of shark protection not only in Quintana Roo, but worldwide.
Mourad Essafi
Mourad Essafi is a distinguished hotel executive with over two decades of experience in the luxury resort industry. Recognized for his ability to design exceptional guest experiences and lead sustainable initiatives, Essafi has built a distinguished track record at the helm of some of the world's most prestigious hotel brands. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership positions in internationally acclaimed hotel groups such as Grupo Presidente, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, AM Resorts, Grupo Meliá, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. His extensive experience spans global destinations, from the serene islands of the Maldives to the vibrant Riviera Maya in Mexico, solidifying his reputation as an expert in luxury resort management and sustainable tourism.
Currently, Essafi serves as General Manager of Impression Isla Mujeres, where she leads the operation of one of Mexico's most exclusive resort destinations. At Impression Isla Mujeres, her leadership transcends traditional hospitality, focusing on creating immersive experiences that blend unparalleled luxury with the essence of the island's natural beauty. Prior to this role, her career highlights include managing renowned resorts such as El Cielo Winery Resort, where she championed innovation and elevated the guest experience. She also served as General Manager at Angsana Velavaru in the Maldives, where she oversaw significant renovations and successfully implemented an innovative 100% plastic-free island initiative. Her tenure at Banyan Tree Seychelles further solidified her reputation as a leader in sustainable hospitality, playing a key role in strengthening the resort's eco-friendly practices.
Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Moroccan Arabic, Essafi is renowned for his exceptional communication skills and a solutions-oriented approach that inspires his teams and fosters lasting relationships with both guests and key industry stakeholders. Mourad Essafi's dedication to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in luxury hospitality continues to set the standard for high-end resort experiences. His ability to seamlessly integrate cultural heritage, cutting-edge service, and sustainable practices positions him as a true visionary in the luxury tourism sector.
Elsa Amador
Elsa Amador is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in project management and administration, boasting a proven track record of high performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments. For the past eight years, she has served as Executive Assistant to Alex Zozaya, Chairman of the Board at SOSF.
Since 2022, Elsa has been with the Saving Our Sharks Foundation as Secretary of the Board of Directors, efficiently managing administrative functions and all communications between the SOSF/Zamia teams and the Chairman of the Board. She also coordinates all logistics for the monthly update meetings and the quarterly Board meetings, and is a passionate advocate for the Foundation's mission.
Antonio Cue
Antonio Cue Sánchez-Navarro is a successful Mexican entrepreneur and businessman with a background in finance and real estate. He co-founded a private real estate development company, considered one of the most prestigious in Mexico. At 33, he became the youngest owner of a soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, where he spearheaded the franchise's growth for eight years. In 2012, he founded Lucha Underground, a sports media company that adapted lucha libre (Mexican professional wrestling) into a successful television program and live show. He later co-founded Gato Grande Productions, a production company focused on high-quality Hispanic content in partnership with MGM Studios. Antonio is also an experienced investor across various industries and serves on the boards of directors of several public and private companies, as well as philanthropic and educational organizations. He is an advisory board member, contributing his entrepreneurial vision to a movement focused on shark conservation.
He has resided in Los Angeles for the past 17 years with his wife and three children.
Eduardo Guzmán
Jorge Macari
Alberto Friscione
Alberto Friscione was born in Xalapa, Veracruz, in 1953 and is a veterinarian by profession. He has published five photography books and numerous articles. He is an underwater cameraman and, for more than 40 years, has documented the fascinating marine life of Mexico and the world. A philanthropist by vocation, he is involved in various conservation initiatives, including the project he leads in the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, as well as his work in ocean and shark conservation, which led him to found the Mexican non-profit organization Saving Our Sharks more than 10 years ago.
He currently serves on the advisory board of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, where his unique vision, creativity, and optimism are invaluable in driving a movement for shark conservation and ocean health.
Ana Mandri
Ana has worked in the non-profit sector for over 20 years. She has led successful efforts, from supporting indigenous and rural communities to creating financial mechanisms to guarantee conservation programs. For 15 years, she directed FONCET, where she developed an innovative financing program to ensure the conservation of Mexico's most biodiverse and threatened region.
As the director and founder of Zamia Media, she has built a community of over 15,000 leaders of non-profit organizations, strengthening their skills in marketing, communication, and fundraising. Ana advises various organizations and chairs the Advisory Board of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, coordinating a diverse group of people united by their love for the ocean and the protection of sharks.
Ana holds a master's degree in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford and a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Enrique Benet
Enrique Benet Gregg is a multifaceted individual with extensive experience in law, entrepreneurship, art, and conservation. Born in 1977, his strategic vision and precise, analytical approach have been fundamental to his numerous professional projects. Enrique is a founding partner of IBG Legal, a boutique law firm; XB Equities, a sustainable real estate developer; and several other successful business ventures. His legal expertise and keen business acumen have been instrumental in the success of real estate and business projects.
Outside of his professional life, Enrique is a committed conservationist. He serves on the Executive Council of the Panthera Foundation in Mexico, is President of Nommos for the Oceans, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of endangered wildlife, and a member of the advisory board of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation.
Enrique is also an accomplished artist who seeks to integrate awareness, art, and environmental conservation. His artistic interests have also led him to explore his passion for writing and philosophy.
Mauricio Hoyos
Dr. Mauricio Hoyos is the Director and Co-founder of Pelagios Kakunjá. He is recognized for his expertise in the study of sharks, including nursery areas, reproduction, movement patterns and habitat use, ecology, and behavior. Based in La Paz, he has studied various shark species in different parts of the world and serves on the scientific committee of several marine reserves in Mexico. He has also been actively involved in outreach and education efforts on shark conservation, giving more than 300 lectures to audiences of all ages. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards for his work in shark conservation and protection, including the 2022 Shark Guardian title awarded by Shark Project International.
Dr. Hoyos has also provided scientific advice for several international and national documentaries. As a member of the advisory board of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, he contributes his extensive scientific expertise to the formulation of recommendations for the marine conservation projects in which the foundation participates.
Manuel Linss
Pablo Simon
Ana Patricia de la Peña
Ricardo Farkas
Ricardo Farkas is a prominent businessman in the Mexican tourism industry and a passionate conservationist. A 1976 graduate of Rice University with a degree in Economics and Business, he is the co-founder of Grupo Adventures in Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's leading ecotourism companies that supports social and conservation programs in the Los Cabos and Vallarta region. Among the initiatives he backs are the Marine Mammal Disentanglement Network, the Permanent Program for the Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Return to the Sea of Marine Species, and Bahía Unida. He participated in the financing and organization of studies to establish the Marietas Islands as a Natural Protected Area, where he also leads a conservation program for the islands and marine species.
Ricardo brings his extensive experience, his firm commitment to environmental conservation and his leadership to the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, where he is part of the advisory board.
Juan Pablo Maturana
Lorenza O'Farrill
Governmental Alliances
CSOs and Educational and Scientific Institutions
Socially Responsible Company
Meet our Implementing Partner
Saving Our Sharks AC.
Saving Our Sharks AC is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for over 13 years, successfully implementing shark research and conservation projects in the Mexican Caribbean.
The successful management model with bull sharks in Playa del Carmen created 10 years ago by Saving Our Sharks is a fundamental piece in the success we hope to achieve in Isla Mujeres today.