Veracruz, Mexico

Background

Situated on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, the Alvarado Wetlands of Veracruz cover nearly 618,000 acres. The coastal areas and mangrove forests of this region serve as breeding grounds for an incredible diversity of fish, crustaceans, and shorebirds while upland areas provide nesting grounds for migratory birds. Because of its importance for biodiversity, these wetlands have been recognized by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty to conserve and sustainably utilize wetlands. The Papaloapan River flows through these wetlands, and lowland areas of the river are polluted due to poor management and deforestation. Past efforts to restore mangroves in this area have had limited success, due to the particular conditions needed for the growth and survival of mangrove tree species and the expenses involved in cultivating mangrove trees.

In 2007, EcoLogic forged a partnership with Pronatura Veracruz in order to work on restoration and conservation of the Alvarado Wetlands. The long-terms goals of the project are to foster community-based stewardship of the mangrove forests within the Papaloapan River watershed.

Project Description

EcoLogic co-financed a study of the Alvarado Wetlands with Pronatura Veracruz and the Mexican Secretariat for Social Development and the Environment (SEDESMA). This study put forth recommendations for restoration and conservation of mangrove forests within the Papaloapan River watershed. EcoLogic is now working with Pronatura Veracruz to review this study and develop a community-based project.

Partners

Pronatura is a Mexican nonprofit organization whose mission is the conservation of flora, fauna and priority ecosystems, promoting the development of a society in harmony with nature. Pronatura, as a family, has 25 years of experience and results in conservation in Mexico. In particular Pronatura Veracruz has been working for 15 years, conserving species and ecosystems through: environmental education, research and monitoring, habitat conservation, support to natural areas management, outreach and communication, community development and alternative productive projects, training, community participation and volunteerism, planning for conservation, and political influence.

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