Management of Cuatro Cienegas Natural Protected Area in Coahuila, Mexico: The role of science and research needs

Authors: Ivo Garcia, Juan Ibarra, Julio Carrera

Year: 2008 (xl)

Abstract

Most natural protected areas in MÁƒÂ©xico are administered by a federal commission for protected areas (CONANP), a decentralized body of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The goal of CONANP is to preserve the natural heritage of Mexico and to maintain ecological processes on natural protected areas (NPAs). Differently from other countries, the land within NPAs in MÁƒÂ©xico is privately owned. Human activities conducted in NPAs by land owners are regulated by CONANP according to a master plan specific to the area. Under this system, NPAs are challenged to protect natural resources that are impacted by a wide range of human activities. Therefore, one of the major tenets of management of NPAs in MÁƒÂ©xico is to identify critical threats and focus actions into managing those threats. CONANP has identified a great diversity of threats at Cuatrocienegas from illegal exploitation of resources and unregulated scientific activities, to poor land management practices and unregulated tourism and outdoor activities. Basic ecological research conducted at Cuatrocienegas and in particular on aquatic systems played a crucial role in establishing the protected area. However, applied research that can be translated into better land management practices and help CONANP in managing the protected area has been limited. Recently, the protected area identified the specific need of applied research on invasive species and on identifying indicators to monitor the health of ecosystems. CONANP is interested in collaborating and facilitating applied ecological research that can help in managing threats, make sound management decisions, and implementing conservation activities on NPAs.