The new Sierra Tarahumara Diversity Project will combine cultural and natural values to preserve a threatened area. This unique approach will ensure that the biodiversity of the region - from its plant and animal species to its unique culture and variety of native idioms - will be protected. Protection of the mountainous area could bring in tourism revenues while protecting native species at the same time.
Hosted by the National Museum of Natural History, the project works towards obtaining biological and cultural information of a poorly explored and biologically important part of the Mexican territory in the state of Chihuahua. MAB is particularly interested in biodiversity assessments for long term-monitoring plans. Based on adaptive management principles, the biological information will be used for management plans and the sustainable use of natural resources. MAB will also be working with linguists and anthropologists to preserve the area's native history and culture - including nearly 20 idioms that were spoken by native communities.
A stakeholder meeting will occur in June of 2000 in Chihuahua
to inform local communities of the project’s objectives
and to develop an action plan with Mexican counterparts. The
National Commission for Biodiversity in Mexico (CONABIO),
as well as other national and international organizations,
have endorsed the project.
