SMA PROGRAMS: Biocultural CONSERVATION:
Pino Gordo Natural Protected Area

SMA biologists have documented twenty-six threatened and endangered species and over 124 neotropical migrants in Pino Gordo. SMA, Consejo EcoRegional Sierra Tarahumara A.C. and a core group of Tarahumara leaders and field researchers have submitted a proposal to the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to establish a protected area in the entire ejido of Pino Gordo.

The Tarahumara have completed community maps and proposed a core area and agricultural use zones based upon traditional land use and knowledge. The maps have been digitized on Geographic Information Systems for long-term monitoring. Watersheds, grazing areas, agricultural clearings, plant collection areas, critical habitat, sacred areas, and traditional forest use have all been mapped and incorporated in the management plan.

A community-generated protected area management plan will be submitted in early 2004 for final approval.