Mexico’s Community Forestry Helps in Rainforest Conservation

It is real important for us people to realize the great importance of natural rainforests to us. From the air we breathe, the home that shelters us, up to the foods that sustain us, a big portion of our lives is dependent on the existence and sustainability of this natural resource. This time is never the moment for closing our ears from hearing and our eyes from seeing, this is the time for unique awareness and most importantly, action. 

Mexico’s Response to the Worldwide Call

The issue of gradual deforestation is not just a problem of a few countries in the world, but rather a global concern. In Mexico, Forestry Communities are on the frontlines when it comes to rainforest conservation. These organizations help the communities in managing their rainforests well for protecting not just the environment as well as the livelihood of the people. 

This action is a significant response from Mexico especially that their country is a home to unique species of plants and animals that cannot be found on no other place in the Earth. In fact, Mexico is among the 12 most ‘mega diverse ’nations in the world and is known for its extreme richness of flora and fauna. A wide variety of tree species is found in Mexico’s rainforests reaching the number of 1,000 native species knowing that almost thirty percent of their total land area is covered by rainforests. 

However, no matter how we get amazed of Mexico’s natural richness, the nation is on for a serious threat. Despite it being one of the richest and most diverse, Mexico also has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. They are losing 330,000 hectares of their forests every year.

The last twenty-five years is a breakthrough for Mexico. Coming from the fact that 80% of their rainforests are under the jurisdiction of communities, the Forestry Communities saw it as a possible asset for recovering and preserving the remaining rainforests. Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs) have been established to practice sustainable forest practices in every community. 

However, many of Mexico’s communities are not in the move to practicing sustainable management for increasing the potential of rainforests not just for preservation but also for livelihood purposes. Only a minimal portion of communities involved can be said to have reached a significant level of business development. On a brighter note, there are other forest conservation programs that assist CFEs in becoming more competitive in local and even in international markets. 

Image credit: http://www.arborday.org/

Uncover the Beauty of Lacandon Jungle in Mexico

Among all other countries in the world, Mexico is considered to be one of the most beautiful. In here you can not consider yourself lonely and alone, for the natural wonders and biodiversity will always make you feel welcome. Not only that, the hospitality and friendliness of the Mexican people along with nature will always make you feel at home.

Without a doubt, the Lacandon Jungle in Mexico is one of its top valuable places. Lacandon is located in the state of Chiapas near the Lacanja Village. The place is inhabited by the remaining Mayan people, one of the important people in Mexico’s history. The Mayans are also called by the name of Lacandons- where the place got its name. Literally, “Lacandon” means ‘those who set up stone idols’ justified by the stone head statues at La Venta. The Mayans are known in history for their knowledge in Mathematics and time and their devised 365-day calendar. At present we’ve been hearing about the ‘end of the world’, but in reality, the dates presented were just the end of the Mayan calendar.

Natural Resources of Lacandon

The area is surrounded by great rivers, lakes, lagoons, and waterfalls making it a very suitable place for wildlife and their survival. Several crops grow in the area and a wide variety of animals are present. Before, the bodies of water in Lacandon are completely preserved, but as time goes by, due to human activities and industrialization, about 40 to 70% are destroyed. 

There are still 1500 tree species in Lacandon most common of which are mahogany, sapodilla, and breadfruit tree. About 3000 species of vascular plants still exist. 

Archeological Zones in Lacandon

Before approaching the Lacandon jungle, there are several historical sites that well introduce the beauty of the area. First is the archeological site of Yaxchilan famous for its wide vegetation area and amazing sculptures that dates back to Mayan Classical Period. Among the sculptures are the Grand Acropolis, Small Acropolis and the Grand Plaza. Another is the Bonampak site which contains the Mural Temple considered to be the most [reserved work of the Mayans. The temple is known for its murals on one of its buildings painted by the Mayan people.  Meanwhile, Las Nubes is known for its rich ecotourism. It is found along Santo Domingo River popularized by its turquoise waters. The people in the area are working hand in hand to preserve the natural wonders of Las Nubes.

Image credits: http://climate-connections.org/