Cuerpos de Conservación Guanajuato AC

Sierra de Santa Rosa's Program

The Sierra de Santa Rosa Guanajuato is one of the most humid areas in the state of Guanajuato and is, therefore, well-suited to the task of capturing water from of the Lerma-Chapala river basin, which is the most important of the central region of the country. This mountain region plays a very important role in the regulation of the water cycle and temperature of the region.

The region also is fundamental in helping to sustain a great diversity of plant and animal life as well as being a source of natural resources for the mountain inhabitants of the three municipalities that it includes (Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo and San Felipe). It is considered by many national and international organizations to be a region of critical importance due to the wealth of migratory birds that use the region as an important point for rest and feeding during their migration from Canada to Central America.

Problematic:

This region suffers from severe issues that impact the natural environment as well as a lack of economic and educational opportunities for the inhabitants. Diagnostic evaluations have determined that deforestation, soil erosion and contamination of the water are basic problems in the region. On the social side, the people of the communities aspire to have sources of employment and income without having to migrate to nearby cities or to USA.

Solutions:

In response to this situation our organization has promoted, since 1997, the Programa de Desarrollo Sierra de Santa Rosa, which has helped to achieve a higher level of stewardship of the regional environment and its natural resources through activities such as economic development projects, restoration of rivers, environmental education and investigation of birds. This work and the results it has generated have been possible thanks to the participation and commitment of the inhabitants of various communities and the collaboration of civil, governmental and academic organizations.

Since 2000, Cuerpos de Conservacion Guanajuato AC (CCG) has carried out work related to conservation in 20 communities in the Sierra de Santa Rosa with results that as of today include: ● 37,000 structures for the retention of soil, water and vegetatione ● 667 cubic meters of stone terraces in the process of restoring ● 296 km. km of rivers and stream restored ● 15,000 filtration ditches

In order to make possible such a large conservation effort, the volunteer work of houndred of families with the technical assistance of our organization. Environmental restoration is a simple and economical process with invaluable environmental benefits because prevents natural disasters conserve the habitat of important species, restoration also helps to maintain a source of income for the inhabitants of the Sierra through the retention of water, soil and vegetation, sustaining the diverse range of flora and fauna within the Sierra.

As a result of this conservation project approximately 5,291,000 cubic meters of sediment have been retained. This amount is equivalent to almost twice the capacity of the La Esperanza reservoir. Additionally, 2,405,000 cubic meters of water have been retained. lTo understand the impact of this environmental restoration work, take into consideration the average daily consumption of 100 litres of water per person and the amount of this precious liquid saved adds up to approximately six months worth of water consumption.

Do you know that you can help ensure that this important work continues?

There are some things that have no price, but a small contribution can help to conserve them. Give Guanajuato a “Piece of Life” donation to help restore a piece of the Sierra and with your donation, you will help to ensure the continuation of this important conservation effort of the Sierra de Santa Rosa. There are a variety of different levels of donations for you to consider. All include visits to the Sierra and informational pamphlets and booklets. Additionally, your donations may be tax deductible. Join us and give a “Piece of Life” for Guanajuato".

Please write to us for more information. Contact to: Arturo García Lozano