Conservation and Restoration

The Canopy Project Sierra Gorda

Project Summary

The Canopy Project – Greenery in Mexico’s Sierra Gorda

There are 100,000 people spread out over 53 communities living within the Sierra Gorda who are reliant on the biological diversity that the forests provide. The Canopy project has helped better the lives for the individuals and wildlife living in the area.

This project was not a direct planting, but a distribution to the local communities where they make the decision based on guidance on where to plant the saplings.

image credit: BioOne Complete

Region

Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

An Unesco world heritage site located in Queretaro, Mexico; Sierra Gorda covers nearly 400,000 hectares of rich, biodiverse forests. The area is mostly covered by dense temperate forest hosting 15 vegetation types, and over 1,700 plant and animal species. There are roughly 100,000 people spread out over 40 communities living within the Sierra Gorda who are reliant on the biological diversity that the forests provide. This project can help guarantee better lives for the many individuals living in the area, human and not.  

Species

Planting efforts will include the Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) and Jacardana (Jacaranda mimosifolia). The Mexican Fan Palm is a relatively fast-growing tree that is easy to naturalize into an area and can reach heights of nearly 100 feet, this species thrives in areas that receive plenty of sunlight and are even drought resistant. Jacardanas are a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of roughly 40 feet, possessing beautiful flowers that attract bees and various species of native bird.   

Local Engagement and Education

In addition to trained project managers and local scientists, the project has guidance from local ecological organizations. The project will continue to educate the local populations on the benefits of a biodiverse forests and how they can use it to their advantage without cutting it down.   

Planting Period

March to November

Status: Active

image credit: Google

Project Contributions

Climate Change Adaptation
Community & Economic Benefits
Biodiversity Conservation
Carbon Sequestration

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