Sonoran Congress Improves Legal Framework for Mexico’s Private Protected Areas

President of Environment and Energy Deputy Brenda Córdova B. and Wildlands Network Senior Conservation Specialist Carlos Castillo.

Earlier this week, the Congress of Sonora unanimously approved a bill to modify environmental and municipal tax laws that will conserve private land across the Mexican state. Thanks to a collaboration between the Bioconnect Project, the French Development Agency (FAD), VistoBueno Environmental Consultants, Wildlands Network, and Deputy Brenda Cordova Búzani, a significant step has been made towards protecting the unique flora and fauna found throughout private land in the region.

Some of the modifications to the environmental law include the creation of a new legal figure akin to easements called Derecho Real de Conservación, as well as the inclusion of economic incentives for land that is designated as a voluntary conservation area.

Wildlands Network Senior Conservation Specialist Carlos Castillo provided technical knowledge that was instrumental in the passing of this legislation. “These amendments are a huge win for conservation in Sonora. An additional mechanism has been established to ensure long-term voluntary conservation,” said Castillo. “Providing economic incentives for private conservation will help us strengthen current private conservation areas and promote new ones, which will benefit ecological connectivity and integrated landscape management." 

Wildlands Network will continue to support the community of the Sierra Huérfana declare their land as a Voluntary Conservation Area, and The Northern Jaguar Reserve and Parque La Colorada de Álamos in drafting easement contracts that will enhance conservation protections that these lands currently have. By adding layers of protection for established priority conservation areas and incentivizing the establishment of additional private conservation areas, a new hope for conservation in Mexico is emerging.