Carbono Biodiverso in Xilitla – Thank You!
Thanks to the support of the World Land Trust and its Carbon Balanced Program, we had the honor of collaborating with four ejidos in the highlands of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Xilitla, S.L.P. Soledad de Zaragoza, Ollita del Pino, La Trinidad, and Coronel José Castillo on the conservation of the magnificent cloud forests and temperate forests that still crown the mountain peaks.
Five years later, we are proud to report that this forest mass essential for water catchment and carbon storage—is in better condition despite extreme weather events. This is because extractive pressures have ceased, and its owners, the ejidatarios, our best local partners have become its guardians.
In total, 4,710 hectares of forests are now protected, with 119,500.04 tons of CO₂e regenerated through canopy and soil biomass. This adds to the vast green tapestry that still covers this region of the Sierra, transcending political boundaries and benefiting both the people of San Luis Potosí and Querétaro. Thank you!
Field Supervision
As part of our ongoing activities with the Carbono Biodiverso beneficiaries, our colleagues are in the field every day, visiting protected forests with landowners to verify compliance, monitor conservation status, and observe how the ecosystems evolve without extractive activities.
It has been encouraging to witness the owners’ commitment now acting as stewards of their natural capital, the absence of wildfires, and the ongoing natural regeneration. As a result, CO₂ capture, water retention, oxygen generation, scenic beauty, and climate regulation are assured through this process.
Thank you SEDESU!
Rebuilding Beekeeping in the Sierra Gorda
This work is carried out in collaboration with the Sierra Gorda Beekeepers Association, joining efforts to strengthen and bring organization to this valuable activity in the region.
Education for Life
In the communities of El Aguacate, San Juan Buenaventura, Acatitlán del Río, and El Refugio, activities were conducted to promote the creation of school gardens. In Ahuehueyo (Xilitla), Matlapa, and Adjuntas de Higueras (Peñamiller), we offered environmental-themed plays, educational talks, and distributed materials about flora, fauna, and responsible water use.
Meanwhile, students from the Universidad Tecnológica San Juan del Río, Jalpan Campus, took part in the “Practices for Sustainable Living” camp, held at Centro Tierra Sierra Gorda and Rancho Suelo Vivo, where they explored topics such as biodiversity, climate change, waste, water, and sustainable agriculture.
We are grateful for the participation of every community and educational institution, reaffirming that environmental education is essential for building a more conscious and sustainable future.
Teaching for a Sustainable Future
Commitment to a Cleaner Environment in the Sierra Gorda
These activities included road and community cleanups, removal of illegal dumps, and waste collection and sorting. As a result, several tons of waste and recyclables were collected, and numerous kilometers of public roads were cleaned.
We appreciate the support of everyone who contributed to these efforts, reaffirming that collective action is vital to building a cleaner and more sustainable future in the Sierra Gorda.
An Inspiring Model: From Sierra Gorda to South America
After receiving a visit in April from an extraordinary group of entrepreneurs from South America—thanks to the Presencing Institute and our shared partner, Commonland—on the 25th we held an excellent virtual session with them.
During this session, we highlighted the irreplaceable role of environmental education across generations and shared our experience creating CO₂ methodologies through the Biodiverse Carbon initiative, our collaboration with the Government of the State of Querétaro through SEDESU, and how this initiative is transforming the perception of forests and jungles, the income earned by forest landowners, and how a virtuous cycle is being consolidated for communities and Life itself.
Photo of the Month
These beautiful orchids (Prosthechea mariae) were in bloom, about 20 meters high in an old sweetgum tree. I photographed two different plants on the branches using a powerful 800mm lens to bring them closer from the canopy where they grow.
I’ve always thought of orchids as living in their own lofty, sophisticated, and ethereal world—visited by their pollinators and exuding unique fragrances.
Video of the Month
The Hidden Life of the Forest – No. 13
We are pleased to share the newest episode of our series “The Hidden Life of the Forest #13”, featuring the inhabitants of a well-protected forest thanks to our direct conservation efforts. Pumas, margays, and jaguarundis—three species of Mexico’s wild cats—all share this same forest!
Let’s remember that the sixth wave of mass extinction has already wiped out 83% of wild mammal populations. In terms of biomass, humans, cows, and pigs now account for 96% of all mammals, leaving only 4% for deer, opossums, elephants, or whales.
It is essential to protect the remaining wild sanctuaries.
Photography and editing by Roberto Pedraza Ruiz, Conservation Photography ©
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
