Supporting Community-Led Conservation Science and Policy Needed to Protect Critical Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Research Location:
Implemented: Milpa Alta Borough, Mexico City, Mexico
Conservation Partner:
Biological Monitoring Group of Milpa Alta, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), and the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx)
Student Researchers
Evelyn Hall '25, Major: Integrative Conservation; Major (self-designed): Ecological & Spatial Data (2024)
Cathryn (Rynn) Little '25, Major: Biology; Major: Integrative Conservation (2024)
Sam Dutilly '23, Major: Biology; Major: Environmental Science (2023)
Emma Lankford '25, Major: Integrative Conservation; Major: Biology (2023)
Bibiana Mirones ‘22, Major: Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies; Major: Environmental Policy (2022)
Jordan Bryant '23, Major: Integrative Conservation and Biology (2022)
Faculty Mentors
Dr. Fernando Galeana Rodriguez, Dr. Martha Case and Dr. Sapana Lohani
Project Description
Indigenous Peoples and local communities play a critical role in the protection of biodiversity and natural resources, but often lack the time needed to apply the newest scientific methodologies to enhance and monitor their conservation efforts. The Biological Monitoring Group of Milpa Alta is a community-led conservation group leading the restoration of biodiversity of forest ecosystems in the plantation systems of Milpa Alta and through scientific research strengthen community advocacy for the right to manage their ecosystems to promote conservation and their community. This project serves as a model for community-led conservation and an opportunity to explore tools to support community-led conservation initiatives.
The conifer forests and native grasslands covering the volcanoes and mountains surrounding Mexico City provide a habitat for endangered endemic species and invaluable ecosystem services for one of the world’s largest metropolises. These mountains catch about 70% of the water consumed by 22 million people. Massive reforestation campaigns geared toward protecting the forest have degraded the environment, replacing diverse ecosystems with green deserts dominated by high-density monocultures. This green expanse, encompassing wetlands, forests, and diverse ecosystems, not only harbors ecological significance but also furnishes vital environmental amenities to the city—from recharging aquifers to air purification.
Since 1998, local communities in Milpa Alta have been at the forefront of pioneering environmental services programs. Their flagship initiative was the formation of forestry brigades, undertaking critical roles in reforestation and fire prevention. While these brigades have invigorated local organizational capacities and boosted incomes, the very reforestation they championed inadvertently spawned 'green deserts' - monoculture expanses that disrupted natural tree habitats in open grasslands. The Biological Monitoring Group of Milpa Alta, created in 2014, pivoted to address this challenge, introducing innovative forestry practices to reclaim these landscapes.
The Institute of Integrative Conservation (IIC) has been partnering with the Monitoring Group since 2022 to develop a citizen science project that would help them measure the impact of their management practices. In 2023, W&M students developed a protocol for transect monitoring of selected sites and compiled a list of native species for the development of a field guide. In 2024, W&M explored the applicability of remote sensing and ecological research techniques in guiding and evaluating their community-led forest restoration efforts.
Project ID - Format
22-014-22 - CRP Year
22-014-23 - CRP Year
22-014-24 - CRP Year