Cumbres de Monterrey: a dynamic partnership for strengthening the resilience of forest ecosystems
Rapid urbanization and climate change-related water stress threaten forests in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. To deal with these challenges and to maintain the ecosystem services that forests provide for the city and its inhabitants, CONANP and other key actors are working to strengthen the Park's natural resilience by tackling chronic problems such as insect plagues, invasive species, and reducing fire risks. Moreover, awareness raising efforts are being carried out among urban dwellers.
Impacts
1. The inhabitants of the metropolitan area of Monterrey (pop. 4 million) benefit from a large number of ecosystem services derived from the protected area, when it is successfully conserved. Two of those benefits are: 40-60% of their water supply, and a reduction in flood and storm risks.
2. Communities within the National Park have received training and mentoring services to develop new businesses based on the sustainable production and commercialization of forest products (e.g. Sierrita Linda jam).
3. The conifer forests of the park have benefited from the control of a beetle plague affecting them. This has been carried out by a partnership between CONANP and the University of Nuevo Leon.
4. CONANP is benefiting from the additional capacities created by the alliance of stakeholders dedicated to improve the resilience of Cumbres de Monterrey National Park ecosystems.
5. Local communities provide additional surveillance against the damage and misuse of the forests.
6. Universities are providing scientific knowledge on how to optimize resource management, as well as providing guidance on ways to commercialize and add value to new forest products.
7. NGOs are providing support for awareness raising campaigns, among other relevant on-the-ground activities.