Supporting Community-Led Conservation Science and Policy Needed to Protect Critical Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Research Location: Implemented: Milpa Alta Borough, Mexico City, Mexico
Conservation Partner: Biological Monitoring Group of Milpa Alta, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx)
Student Researchers
Evelyn Hall '25, Major: Integrative Conservation; Major (self-designed): Ecological & Spatial Data (2024)
Cathryn (Rynn) Little '25, Major: Biology; Major: Integrative Conservation (2024)
Sam Dutilly '23, Major: Biology; Major: Environmental Science (2023)
Emma Lankford '25, Major: Integrative Conservation; Major: Biology (2023)
Bibiana Mirones ‘22, Major: Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies; Major: Environmental Policy (2022)
Jordan Bryant '23, Major: Integrative Conservation and Biology (2022)
Faculty Mentors
Dr. Fernando Galeana Rodriguez, Dr. Martha Case and Dr. Sapana Lohani
Project Description
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Since 1998, local communities in Milpa Alta have been at the forefront of pioneering environmental services programs. Their flagship initiative was the formation of forestry brigades, undertaking critical roles in reforestation and fire prevention. While these brigades have invigorated local organizational capacities and boosted incomes, the very reforestation they championed inadvertently spawned 'green deserts' - monoculture expanses that disrupted natural tree habitats in open grasslands. The Biological Monitoring Group of Milpa Alta, created in 2014, pivoted to address this challenge, introducing innovative forestry practices to reclaim these landscapes.
The Institute of Integrative Conservation (IIC) has been partnering with the Monitoring Group since 2022 to develop a citizen science project that would help them measure the impact of their management practices. In 2023, W&M students developed a protocol for transect monitoring of selected sites and compiled a list of native species for the development of a field guide. In 2024, W&M explored the applicability of remote sensing and ecological research techniques in guiding and evaluating their community-led forest restoration efforts.
Project ID - Format
22-014-22 - CRP Year
22-014-23 - CRP Year
22-014-24 - CRP Year
