Guardians of Nature: Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan and the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve
Open for Funding Opportunity
In a world racing towards urbanization, organizations like Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan shine as nature's champions. Their mission? To save plants, animals, and vital ecosystems, all while helping society and nature thrive side by side. Their work focuses on protecting important parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, ensuring that ecosystems and the services they offer stay intact.
At the heart of their efforts lies the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve, a precious piece of land just south of Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula. Part of Hydrographic Basin number 32, known as "Yucatán Norte," this reserve is a Protected Natural Area (PNA) named "Reserva Cuxtal." Covering over 10,000 hectares of untouched forest, it's a safe haven for 60 special species of plants and animals.
But this place isn't just about nature—it also affects our lives. The Cuxtal Reserve helps capture water, control temperatures, and absorb carbon dioxide, all important things for the area. Even more crucial, the Mérida I water treatment plant is here, taking out a whopping 42.3 million cubic meters of water every year. That water is essential for over 300,000 people in Mérida, and it's used in many different ways, from watering fields to supporting industries.
Groundwater in the area forms a single aquifer, which due to its topographical characteristics, is considered karstic terrain. This means it has high permeability, facilitating the infiltration of rainwater (natural recharge) and the direct access of contaminants to the subsurface, leading to their rapid propagation in the aquifer. The high rainfall and soil infiltration capacity enable proper recharge.
In 2022 the Cuxtal Reserve's borders changed. It grew by adding 1,100 more hectares to its safe zone. But these new lands are in danger from urban development and human activities nearby. This is where a new project comes in—a plan to protect the soil and water.
At Waterplan, we’re constantly nurturing our Partnership Network because we understand that our partners' work is the key towards restoring our water resources globally. As part of our program, we work together with these organizations to estimate Volumetric Water Benefits and how to professionally and efficiently communicate their long term potential on the watersheds’ health.
Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan wants people to care for their environment. The project will teach them how to take care of the land and water. They'll work together to prevent fires, keep the forest healthy, and plant new trees. How are they planning to do all these?
Project Activities
Comprehensive Conservation and Restoration Initiatives
By implementing these comprehensive conservation and restoration project activities, the project endeavors to safeguard the delicate balance of the Cuxtal Reserve's ecosystems. Through geohydrological understanding, zoning, strategic planning, restoration efforts, and fire prevention measures, the project seeks to nurture the reserve's vitality for current and future generations generating the restoration of 18,000 m3/year.
Geohydrological Analysis and Zoning
Objective: Understand the hydrological dynamics of the region and create a zoning plan for effective conservation and restoration.Conduct a detailed geo-hydrological analysis encompassing
Study of the hydrological cycle, evaluating water movement and interactions.
Assessment of water supply and demand trends within the area.
Examination of precipitation patterns and variability.
Analysis of surface runoff mechanisms and their impact and others.
Create a zoning framework based on geohydrological and socioeconomic attributes
Objectives: Identify critical zones for conservation, responsible use, and restoration.Design a short, medium, and long-term strategy for protection, management, and monitoring of recently integrated land. Implementation of best practices for sustainable land use.
Restoration and Reforestation
Objective: Revitalize the natural ecosystem by restoring a designated area with native vegetation by restoring 20 hectares of land through carefully planned restoration efforts, Implementing reforestation where needed to restore natural vegetation cover.Fire Prevention and Management
Objective: Mitigate fire risks by creating strategic firebreaks in selected areas. Establish 15 kilometers of firebreak gaps in specific sites around the 1100-hectare property strategically design firebreak locations to prevent and manage wildfires.
Enhancing Community Engagement for Cuxtal Reserve Conservation
Through the coordinated execution of these activities, the project aspires to create a harmonious relationship between the community and the Cuxtal Reserve, fostering a shared commitment to its preservation and sustainable development.
Communication Channel Identification and Promotion
Objective: Raise awareness about the significance of Cuxtal Reserve and foster long-term conservation commitment within the community.
Water Availability and Quality Diagnosis
Objective: Address water-related issues by comprehensively assessing availability and quality challenges within the Reserve's communities.Community Development and Investment Diagnosis
Objective: Obtain insights into the existing infrastructure, available services, and projected economic investments in the Reserve's communities.Capacity Strengthening Workshops for Water Conservation
Objective: Empower local residents to adopt sustainable, responsible, and equitable water usage practices through targeted training and awareness initiatives.
Project Partners
Pronatura Península de Yucatán NGO, Cuxtal Reserve and Mérdia City Council
Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan and The Cuxtal Ecological Reserve remind us that we can make a difference. Even as our world changes fast, there's hope for nature. This reserve's story shows us that when groups and communities, NGos, and Companies join hands, we can create a future where nature thrives and we live in harmony with it.
Our Impact is driven by our partners. If you’re interested in being a part of this impact, do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
