and the Monarch Butterfly Monarch Model Forest, Mexico.
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A partnership project between the Manitoba Model Forest,
Canada
and the Monarch Butterfly Monarch Model Forest, Mexico.
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In 2004, the Manitoba Model Forest, used its experience connecting local people, to assist the Monarch Butterfly Model Forest to develop sustainable forest projects that benefit the whole community. Working within and near two protected Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries in the states of Michoacan (El Rosario) and Mexico (La Mesa), the projects aim to improve the lives of community members and the habitat of the Monarch Butterfly. |
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One part of this initiative focuses on the reforestation of critical
Monarch butterfly over-wintering habitat with native tree species. Over
160,000 trees have been planted as a start to reforesting land which had
been deforested.
Stock trees were grown from locally collect seed. In the near future, an additional 80,000 trees will be planted. |
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Caring for the new plantations is a community effort with local women co-managing demonstration sites used as operational / educational sites within local communities. Women are equally involved in planning, supervisory and labour levels. To protect newly planted trees, local residents constructed fences to exclude grazing livestock. |
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Demonstration sites within local communities allow residents to see how forestry and agriculture can co-exist with a net benefit to the community. Fuel wood and food is produced at the demonstration sites through the use of plantations and mobile cages for keeping grazing chickens. Started in 2003, mobile cages were constructed and chickens introduced to take advantage of the surplus forage available in the existing plantation sites. This project actively addresses local capacity development and includes a significant education and training component for local residents. As residents discover the long term economic and environmental benefits, the practices will become more widely used. |
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Education programs are also being conducted through the interpretive centres of Sierra Chincua, La Mesa and El Capulin, located close to the sanctuary sites of the Monarch Butterfly. In conjunction with environmental workshops and activities, the local population learns about the migration phenomenon, hibernation and habitat of the Monarch Butterfly. Continuous environmental workshops in each one of the interpretive centres educate children from preschool, primary and secondary school levels on topics such as habitat, wild local fauna, wild local flora, water cycle, the forest, garbage recycling, fuel efficient Lorena stoves, organic composts, dry sanitary facilities, crafts, and protection/preservation activities. |
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Indigenous women maintain their tradition of cooking their
food , heating water and obtaining warmth and illumination through the
use of firewood. One project demonstrates the use and benefits of
the Lorena stove.
The Lorena stove decreases the amount of fuel wood needed by 50% thus reducing pressure on the forest resources. The stoves also vent the smoke outside the home thus reducing the current health hazard to women and children. Five hundred people now benefit from the placement of these stoves. |
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Economic diversification in the Ejido communities of La Dieta
and Los Remedios in Michoacan involves the introduction of new skills.
Local women are trained in the art of pine needle crafts. Workshops have
trained over 50 local women.
Products include vases, hats, purses, flower pots, baskets, tortilla holders, jewel boxes and fruit holders. The Project will also provide assistance with material purchase, design, and printing of product catalogues and product tags. |
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Many of these projects were showcased at the International World Forestry
Congress in Quebec City. In recognition of its International success, the
Manitoba Government has awarded the Manitoba Model Forest with the Excellence
in Sustainable Development Award for its work in Mexico.
For additional information: The Manitoba Model Forest
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| To download a poster about the "Reforestation, Economic Diversification, Environmental Awareness and Agro-Forestry Sites in the Monarch Butterfly Model Forest" Click on the Poster image at left, or the download link below. |
To download a PDF of previous webpages on Mexican projects click on
the images below.
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