We have learned that mangroves — trees and shrubs that thrive in tropical and subtropical areas where the land meets the sea — are teeming with life both above and below the water.
These were not easy adjustments, especially as they initially resulted in financial losses and costs. But the communities of the Biosphere understand the long-term value of the Reserve. They also take great pride in the well-known biodiversity of this place, which includes jaguars, monkeys, caimans, crocodiles, boas, and many species of waterfowl. In some cases, they are actively involved in the protection of endangered species.
Linking the conservation of mangroves to hunting may be unconventional, but it’s one way to show that when mangroves in one place suffer, this has economic repercussions elsewhere, including industries we wouldn’t normally consider.
We found that while current deforestation patterns in Mexico are likely to produce nearly $400 million in damages, further conservation efforts concentrated in just 26 municipalities of Mexico could prevent 50% of these damages. This is great news, as it means we can prioritize and allocate resources much more efficiently.