NPA CONSERVATION
CAUSE.
The natural protected areas (NPA) of the Lacandona Rainforest preserve the last remnants of the most humid tropical forest in Mexico, where more than 20% of the country's biodiversity is found. However, these NPA are seriously threatened, mainly by the advance of the agricultural frontier and by the irregular settlements that invade Lacandon territories inside the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (MABR). Neither the environmental authorities themselves, nor the indigenous Lacandon people, have managed to stop the constant illegal activities in the region, which are immersed in a complex web of political conflicts, illegal interests and conflicting visions.
OBJECTIVE AND ACTION.
Our goal is to contribute to the conservation of five protected areas in the Lacandona Rainforest and to the well-being of its original inhabitants, owners of most of these territories: the Lacandon ethnic group.
Natura Mexicana collaborates with the Lacandons and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) to ensure that more than 250,000 hectares of Lacandon territory located in the MABR are monitored and watched over through innovative mechanisms, with the training of community guardians and the use of geospatial instruments (satellite detection of hot spots to identify the use of fire and satellite images to detect changes in land use), as well as river, land and air surveys to detect and corroborate illegal activities.
ACHIEVEMENTS.
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The development of an early warning mechanism for forest fires operated in coordination with the National Forestry Commission and Conanp;
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The formation and consolidation of a group of 22 Lacandon community guards who carry out monitoring, inspection and surveillance actions;
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The strengthening of more than 10 ecotourism projects in the Lacanjá Chansayab community;
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The implementation of environmental education activities for children and young people;
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The development of a Sustainable Development Program and an Ecotourism Development Program for the Lacanjá Chansayab community.