While the World Adopts 30x30, in Sonora Only 10.6% of the Surface Area is Protected
Hermosillo, Sonora (February 14, 2023) - Wildlands Network specialists shared with the head of the State Environmental Commission and other authorities an updated report in which they warn that only 10.6% of the state's surface area is under some legal protection scheme, such as Natural Protected Areas, voluntary conservation areas or priority wetlands. This is far from meeting the goal adopted by Mexico and the other signatories of the Convention on Biological Diversity, who on December 19, formally adopted the Montreal-Kunming Agenda which, among other objectives, formally commits them to protect 30% of the planet's surface by 2030 (also known as 30x30).
The report is also available in English at the following link.
Juan Carlos Bravo, Director of Conservation Programs at Wildlands Network and lead author of the report explained: "The adoption of this international agenda by Mexico and other countries is a clear sign that the importance of establishing natural protected areas that allow for just and sustainable development for humanity is being recognized. The signing of this historic international agreement came just fifteen days after Hermosillo formalized the creation of the most recent protected area in the state, Los Jagüeyes Lagoon System, so we felt it was important to update the report we published last year to understand how Sonora is contributing to the 30x30 Goal."
The authors conducted an inventory and analysis of the state's protected areas to determine the surface area that each contributes. In addition, the report calls for Sonora to lead Mexico in the protection of its ecosystems, given the richness and diversity of life in Mexico's second largest state.
"Sonora showed this type of leadership before when in the 1990s the Sonora State Natural Protected Areas System (SANPES) was designed, which contemplated the creation of several new natural reserves," added Wildlands Network Senior Conservation Specialist Carlos Castillo, co-author of the report. "But today we have fallen behind. Under this federal administration three new Natural Protected Areas have been designated, but none of them in our state. The most recent protected area in Sonora is a municipal area that, although important for the recreation of the population of Hermosillo, does not significantly advance the 30x30 goal in the state, as it only protects 0.0002% of its surface."
The authors published the updated report and a new interactive map with the hope that both authorities and the general public can view the protected areas of the state within five categories: federal, state, municipal, voluntary and Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of global importance. In total, these areas protect an area of 1,926,127 hectares, although the report warns that this protection is only nominal, as there is a lack of resources for their management and surveillance.
"Protecting 30% of the territory in seven years is not unreasonable; rather, it is imperative that the state government allocate resources and align its strategy with the goals set forth by federal executives on an international level. This is the only way to guarantee that all Sonorans have access to a healthy environment," concluded Bravo.
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Contact
Juan Carlos Bravo, Director of Conservation Programs, (+52) 662-187-3810, juancarlos@wildlandsnetwork.org
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Since 1991, Wildlands Network has been committed to reconnecting, restoring and restoring nature in North America for the benefit of all species. Our work is science-based, field-driven, and advanced through policy and strategic partnerships.
*This article was originally published on September 29, 2022 with the first edition of the report that can be found here.
