Implementation of a Community Effort for the Conservation of Wetland Habitats in Peñasco, Mexico

In 2014, I procured funds from the State of Sonora Water Commission to led a participatory community project to engage users in a conservation initiative. The conservation target was a hypersaline wetland used for recreation, education, tourism, and oyster farming by the community of Peñasco, Mexico. In the absence of a legal conservation tool for the Morua estuary, the effort aimed to increase public support for the wetland's protection.

We carried out workshops where participants were able to recognize the systemic value of the estuary for their activities and acknowledge the legal framework that regulates its use. We conducted meetings and roundtables that led to define and agree on actions to protect the estuary. Actions included the designing and implementation of a monitoring and surveillance program for the Least Tern (Sternulla Antillarum) that involved students, homeowners associations, and oyster farmers. We designed and publication brochures, and announced the monitoring actions on the press, radio, and television. These actions helped raise awareness of the ecosystem services of the Morusa estuary within the monitoring team and the broader community.

The acquired knowledge gave the wetland users the power to advocate for their resources at the decision-making table. Users secured small government grants for the development of projects that have helped them increase their well-being.