Alliance with USEBEQ
As always, counting on the support, goodwill and interest of the teachers of the Sierra Gorda, we held a meeting with regional authorities and directors of the USEBEQ, to plan implementation of the Green Protocol, to be developed in schools and communities.
This includes developing actions for sanitation, recycling, school and domestic reforestation, school gardens and, very importantly, measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, in particular the harvesting and collection of rainwater. And of course, to follow up on the actions that emerge from the diploma course “Didactic Tools for Climate Action”, which with 196 graduates in the Sierra Gorda is undoubtedly a guiding axis for environmental work in the region and also beyond.
Our most sincere thanks to the teachers of the Sierra.
Diagnosis of Residual Discharges
Experts from the Alternative Technology Group (GTA in Spanish) accompanied by our colleagues and town council staff set about the task of visiting and evaluating critical sites for the cleaning of water from various mountain streams, gathering information on red flags and sources of untreated wastewater discharges in the Ayutla, Concá, Jalpan, Arroyo del Real and Río Verdito rivers, as well as suggesting specific solutions . It is undoubtedly a shame about the situation of the main watercourses in the Sierra Gorda, where urban drains, slaughterhouses and mechanic workshops dump their waste without further ado, but we will be working on remediation in conjunction with the CEA and local councils in the region.
This is also part of the strategy to follow to achieve Silver Certification from EarthCheck, as promoters of the improvement of the Sierra Gorda tourist destination, which includes solid waste, its management and the integration and operation of Municipal Councils.
Music for Forests and Water
Preparations are underway for the musical journey through forests and water, for which we are working with Laura Leticia Hernández Barrón, from the Jalpan de Serra Cultural Center and its Children’s Choir, to use music as a tool for social awareness, contemplating the composition of 4 huapangos and the recording of a CD of ecological songs. This is an initiative of GESG in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture of the State of Querétaro, the Historical Museum of the Sierra Gorda, the Town Council of Jalpan de Serra and its House of Culture.
Through the Forests of the Sierra del Doctor
High up in the municipality of Cadereyta de Montes is the Chavarrías Agricultural Community, which has extensive temperate forests in a good state of conservation, which we had the pleasure of visiting and evaluating for its possible inclusion in SEDESU’s Querétaro Seal and access to payments for CO2 emissions compensation. On this occasion we talked to the authorities about a potential project, and we took drone flights, confirming that despite last year’s extreme drought and heat waves, their forests have withstood the conditions and continue to fulfill their environmental functions. Of particular interest is the protection and regeneration of the Sacred Fir forests of Cerro de El Espolón, as it is a relict species with a restricted distribution. We hope to share more news soon.
Strengthening of Tourist Services
We provided advice to projects GESG and Ecotours provide both fundraising technical support and help equip the projects benefiting from the Support Program for Tourism Development in the State of Querétaro in 2024, which will strengthen the range of tourism services in the region:
Camp El Mangal (Bucareli, Pinal de Amoles): Furniture, equipment and kitchenware were purchased, which will enable food service to be offered on the premises.
Comedor Carina (access to the El Chuveje waterfall): The kitchen area was refurbished and equipped, improving the service provided to visitors.
These improvements, implemented in projects that form part of the Community-Based Tourism Services Network, contribute to increasing the level of compliance with the Sabino Seal and strengthen the quality of the services offered to visitors.
Learning in Nature Transforms
With our educational and business packages, we put theory into practice in the largest and most inspiring classroom: the Sierra Gorda.
We offer immersive experiences that strengthen learning and connection with biodiversity through interactive workshops, interpretive tours and experiential conservation experiences.
Come and experience the impact of learning in nature.
Copyright © 2022. Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda, all rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Ave. La Presa S/N Barrio, El Panteon, 76340 Jalpan de Serra, Qro., Mexico.
email: info@sierragorda.net
