Mexico

In Mexico, Nature and Culture has supported the creation and ongoing management of more than 126,000 acres of protected natural areas. In doing so, we’ve helped ensure that more than 10 million tons of carbon remain stored in these ecosystems, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.

From mangroves on the coast to coniferous forests at more than 9,000 ft above sea level, the altitudinal gradient (difference in elevation) of the Sierra-Mar Mosaic allows for species to migrate and adapt within the same region as pressure from climate change increases.

The Pitayal is a unique ecosystem where the pitaya, a species of columnar cactus (Stenocereus thurberi), spans over 180,000 acres. This vast cactus forest is a migratory destination for many species coming from Canada, creating an international pollinator corridor. Nature and Culture is working to protect the last remnants of this ecosystem.

We’re protecting one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world – the dry forest. It spans from southern Mexico to northern Peru. The dry forest is home to many endemic species and extreme weather patterns. The area between the Sonora desert and the dry forest is also under our protection.

Located in northwestern Mexico, Cuenca del Mayo encompasses more than 2.1 million acres of coniferous forest and tropical dry deciduous forest. This area supplies water to more than 24,000 people and irrigation for hundreds of thousands of crops in Chihuahua and Sonora. Nature and Culture works in partnership with Rainforest Trust and the federal government to protect this vital region.

Nature and Culture protects the northernmost corridors of the jaguar habitat in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental. We have trained volunteers from the Munihuaza community in Alamos to monitor these big cats with camera traps to monitor the health of the jaguar population. To build awareness around protecting jaguars in Alamos, we have promoted the celebration of a regional Jaguar Day.

In 2016, the Sinaloan scrub tortoise (Gopherus evgoodei)  was discovered in the Monte Mojino Reserve, in Sonora. In addition to partnering with The Turtle Conservancy to protect its habitat, we have also facilitated research conducted by Ohio University and the Northwest Wildlife Conservation organization on this new species of tortoise and the effect of climate change on its habitat.

To secure fish stocks for current and future needs in the community of Agiabampo, southern Sonora, Nature and Culture supports fishermen in monitoring two Fishing Refuge Areas in Agiabampo Bay. These areas protect the mating grounds for females that are in the breeding season. The fisherman routinely check that these areas are not being fished to ensure their future stocks and increase their economic income.