My final thoughts  – Maria Lopez Vazquez – Landscape Architecture 2026

My last days at TRNERR were bittersweet. It was terrific to see how ideas were worked on and formalized into events and activities by all the partner institutions that make Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) possible.

Working in a binational setting is challenging. It’s one thing to imagine the logistics of working with groups on both sides of the border. However, understanding the relationships that must grow to get things done is incredibly complex.

Creating and maintaining partnerships takes consistency, dedication, and constant communication. Ana Xochitl Eguiarte and the Coastal Training Program team are dedicated and passionate individuals working to bridge the gaps between non-profits, civil society, developers, private industry, academia, and government agencies.

Mexico’s legal system is based on civil law, which is rooted in ancient Roman law. In the United States, Law is based on the Common Law System. These differences impact the organization and management of territories and how society interacts with their environment. Many of the programs have a cyclical nature, and many others are projects that span many years. It is imperative to understand both systems to foster communication and cross-cultural collaboration. 

It’s easy to try to compare the two neighboring territories at a glance. As a citizen of both countries, I have the privilege of experiencing both sides. As a landscape designer, I am trained to understand the extent of the ecology and visualize the potential for creating a community (human-centric and non-human-centric alike). I failed to realize that the systems work at a different pace, and many routes take you to the same result. 

The border region will benefit from the involvement of more landscape professionals applying their knowledge in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary groups. The interaction of different disciplines will yield a better understanding of the unique situation in the border region. We must work together towards a sustainable future that benefits us all.