Learn about the Guardians of Nature and Their Conservation Projects
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Chiapas has startling natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity with vital ecosystems that are home to countless species. Nevertheless, this wealth faces constant challenges that threaten its integrity.
The Fondo de Conservación El Triunfo A.C. (FONCET) was founded in 2022 to protect the heart of the Sierra Madre
※ The work of FONCET has borne substantial fruit in terms of biodiversity protection in Chiapas. Among its most outstanding achievements is safeguarding some 295,000 acres of Natural Protected Areas, a crucial refuge for an amazing variety of wildlife. Thanks to their efforts, 95 species of mammals, 378 of birds and 27 of reptiles are protected, along with the impressive figure of 2,000 plant species.
※ To be able to visit such special places, you must contact the experts, so you need to know that ECOBIOSFERA is a non-governmental Chiapanecan organization that arose to respond to the need to handle visits to the natural protected areas throughout Chiapas, as well as to offer visitors a singular experience. It now has 28 years of experience designing and developing “Unique experiences in unique places.” This nature tourism adventure began in 1996, specifically in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, and since then, members of the organization have shared their knowledge of, passion for and commitment to Chiapas and its extensive natural and cultural wealth with hundreds of local, national and foreign visitors.
※ Keep in mind that El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve is an ecological treasure that contains a diversity of noteworthy ecosystems, outstanding among them the cloud forest and lush rainforest. This protected area is central to the survival of priority and iconic species such as the quetzal, horned guan bird, jaguar, spider monkey, great curassow, tapir and puma. Plus, the Sierra Madre de Chiapas is the home of the ornate hawk-eagle, one of the most important birds of prey on the American continent.
Lacandona Rainforest Conservation: An Attempt to Keep Southeast Mexico’s Lung Healthy
※ This rainforest plays a crucial role, both environmentally and culturally. It acts as a major carbon sink, contributing to the mitigation of the effects of climate change. Furthermore, it produces water essential for human consumption, agricultural irrigation and production of electricity. The jungle also provides vegetable as well as animal nutritional and medicinal resources that are fundamental to local communities.
This vital green lung is an intricate network of life, as it is home to a rich variety of flora, fungi, microorganisms and fauna, including such iconic species as the jaguar, scarlet macaw, harpy eagle and Central American river turtle.
What’s more, the Lacandona Rainforest is an invaluable cultural heritage for such Indigenous communities living in as the Lacandones, whose identity and traditions are deeply connected to this ecosystem.
Action-Demanding Threats
▌Clandestine logging, illegal hunting and unplanned exploitation of its forest resources put the ecosystems under constant pressure. Forest fires, often purposefully set, destroy valuable habitats. Expansion of the agricultural frontier and extensive cattle raising break up the land, displacing wildlife. Land invasion and illegal trafficking of wild species are other problem areas that urgently demand attention.
Conservation Measures
▌Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos A.C., better known as Natura Mexicana, is a non-profit civil association that has been working in the Lacandona Rainforest region since 2005. Its mission, vision and values are the foundation that inspires them to action. Its mission is to generate and spread knowledge about the state of the ecosystems in the Lacandona Rainforest in order to implement actions that contribute to conservation, sustainable use and restoration, thus collaborating to empower local communities and influence public policies.
Its vision is to conserve biodiversity, reverse environmental deterioration and contribute to social wellbeing and the construction of an equitable, just and sustainable world. The Chajul, Tzendales and Lacanjá field stations have been the operational base for all the processes and projects that Natura Mexicana promotes, precisely where monitoring, research, training and environmental education are carried out.
