Their work "ignited enthusiastic social participation," Ruiz said. "We have developed a strategic alternative, a great deal of rural work, and all of this is woven through the generous energies of love, delivery and hope that our bio-region will rectify our trajectory and leave the labyrinth in triumph." Ruiz has engaged people by firing up their children, using every available communications medium, from hand-made anti-littering posters to the radio, and by skillfully organizing volunteering efforts.
"They are worried about the environment. They have a natural sense – a natural link with nature."
Pati's husband Roberto Pedraza Munoz is in charge of all forestry projects in the biosphere. As he has throughout his life, he stays in close contact with the region's inhabitants by visiting its many villages and towns, and hiking through the countryside. He maintains a close connection with people of Sierra Gorda when Pati's efforts to promote the Sierra Gorda require her to travel far from home.
Pati's son Roberto Pedraza Ruiz has become a naturalist and serves as her "right hand man," providing technical support. She credits him with having "an encyclopedic brain," and a gift for nature. In the evenings, "he plays his violin like a gypsy, with such a passion," Ruiz says. "It's great to listen to him."
Younger son Mario, 22, has recovered from his health problems, and his passion is working with horses. Next year, after studying to be a horse trainer, he will take charge of one of the Sierra Gorda's reforestation projects. "They are just completely in love with nature," Ruiz says of her family.
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