by Roberto Pedraza Ruiz

Mexico sits in second place in the ranking of Latin American countries that are degrading and destroying their forests and wildlife, with 370,000 to 1,500,000 hectares of forest destroyed annually and we still have not seen all of the negative consequences. The consequences not only include the loss of species and biodiversity but also the reduction in the capacity, quality and quantity of environmental services (capture and storage of carbon dioxide, infiltration of rain to groundwater, retention and formation of soils, forest products, etc.) that forests provide. In a country like Mexico, which is characterized by water scarcity, a growing population demanding more services and with 50% of the original forest cover destroyed in such a way it has lost its original ecological role (Toledo, 1989; Masera 1996), these consequences are cause for grave concern.

This information reflects just a fraction of the complex environmental problems that our country faces. Eventually, society as a whole will suffer the consequences, if immediate measures are not taken to break this tendency and everything that comes along with it. Taking this as a precedent, it is, without a doubt, essential to protect the remaining ecosystems. One strategy to achieve this is by the Federal Government establishing and managing natural protected areas through the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) of the The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). To date they administer 150 protected areas of varying categories that cover a total of 17,856,227 hectares, within which there are 34 Biospheres Reserves. This is the highest category within the hierarchy managed by CONANP.

In the case of Queretaro, the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve was created by presidential decree on 19th May 1997, in order to protect the exceptional wealth of species and ecosystems that exist in it. The Biosphere Reserve is under the management of CONANP and accounts for 383 567 hectares representing 32.02% of the State’s territory. There are eleven core zones, covering an area of 24,803 hectares and a buffer zone with an area of 358 764 hectares. It is made up of the municipalities of Jalpan de Serra, Arroyo Seco, Landa de Matamoros, as well as 88.03% of the Pinal de Amoles’ mountain range and 69.7% of the municipality of Peñamiller. Due to its biological diversity, it is undoubtedly the wealthiest, best- conserved and most diverse sector of the state of Queretaro.

Of all the natural protected areas in Mexico, the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve occupies first place in terms of eco-diversity, which is so varied due to its geographical position and the fact that the neartic and neotropical bioregions meet here. The area is also topographically diverse, with points ranging from 300 meters above sea level in the Santa Maria river canyon to 3160 meters above sea level at the “Cerro de la Pingüica” in Pinal de Amoles. Coupled with precipitation rates that vary greatly from a minimum of 350 mm to a maximum of 2000 mm, this leads to numerous climatic variations that have enabled a remarkable diversity of vegetation types to establish themselves, which are associated with some fragile wildlife populations.

In 2003, the valuable biodiversity of the area led to it being accepted into the UNESCO network of International Biosphere Reserves’ program “Man and Biosphere” (MaB), becoming the thirteenth Mexican reserve to be accepted into the network. Without a doubt, this achievement as well as having such a wealth of natural heritage we are all responsible for, is something that the residents Queretaro state should be very proud of. Being part of a system of Natural Protected Areas, managed by the federal government, is a sure investment in the future and helps to form a serious and well-rounded strategy. A variety of civil society organizations can often be found working in protected areas looking for ways to join together with the authorities in order to conserve the environment. The cooperation of society and their joining together to protect the last natural sanctuaries for the benefit of all Mexicans, deserves great respect.