Protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in mountains and mountain ranges in Mexico

active

The unique ecosystems, their biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystem goods and services in central Mexico are increasingly under threat. Illegal activities, unsustainable land use and forest fires are key threats. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the financial situation of the protected areas due to a sharp drop in income from entrance fees. The aim of the project Protection and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Mountains and Mountain Ranges in the Heart of Mexico (CoSMoS) is to improve the conservation status and sustainable use of ecosystems in central Mexico. The project contributes to protecting the global climate (SDG 13) and preserving biodiversity (SDG 15). The measures implemented consist of a combination of protection, restoration and control, monitoring and economic support. Key measures to achieve the goals are, on the one hand, effective management of federal nature reserves and the restoration of ecosystems. In addition, measures for the sustainable management of ecosystem goods and services are financed, the further development of the digital infrastructure is promoted and a communication concept is developed. The recipient of the grant of up to EUR 25 million and the project sponsor is Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A.C. (FMCN). Part of the financial resources will be implemented by the protected area authority (CONANP) and the Biodiversity Commission (CONABIO). The direct target group is the residents of the protected areas; owners and employees of selected MSMEs and employees of CONANP, CONABIO, FMCN and locally represented NGOs. The indirect target group is around 30 million people in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. The project area includes 18 nature reserves and their adjacent areas in the catchment area of the metropolitan area of Mexico City.