Introduction to the Tejamanil Ejidos and Their Forest Conservation Efforts
Nestled in the Sierra Gorda region of Querétaro, Mexico, the Tejamanil ejido spans 1,300 hectares, with 500 of those acres forming part of the “Sello Querétaro” forest conservation program. This initiative, led by the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda (GESG) in collaboration with the state government, compensates landowners and ejido members for preserving their forests. By doing so, they prevent activities like logging, agriculture, and livestock grazing.
The Significance of Carbon Sequestration
Each hectare in Tejamanil’s forest captures approximately three tonnes of CO2 annually, resulting in 1,500 tonnes of CO2 being captured yearly. GESG manages partnerships with companies that pay the ejidos for providing this essential environmental service. Large industries can offset their greenhouse gas emissions through the Sello Querétaro program.
Financial Benefits and Community Investment
In 2024, the Tejamanil ejidos received 380,000 pesos for maintaining their 500 hectares of forest. After covering expenses, the funds were distributed among the 54 ejido members. They invested in brechas cortafuego (firebreaks), patrols, and communication tools like a phone for recording bitácoras (logs).
Agreement and Responsibilities
The agreement between GESG and the 54 Tejamanil ejidos outlines actions promoting forest regeneration. These include keeping paths clear of human activities such as tourism, vehicle use, infrastructure development, agriculture, livestock grazing, controlled burns, and tree extraction.
Vigilance and Sustainability
Ejido members are responsible for monitoring their lands to prevent unwanted activities. Their territories are georreferenciated and documented, confirming their authority over land tenure. Annual forest evaluations by experts determine if conservation standards are met, leading to payments.
Conservation as a Way of Life
While conservation efforts supplement income, it is not the sole source of livelihood for Tejamanil residents. Many rely on remittances and other economic activities. Salvador Sarabia Rivas from GESG envisions a future where forest conservation becomes a sustainable way of life, similar to Costa Rica.
Historical Context and Current Income Sources
Previously, locals relied on the forest for timber, fencing materials, and income from selling wood. However, since joining the program, the forest has started to regenerate.
Alternative to Remittances
Most Tejamanil ejido members’ children work in Querétaro, the City of Mexico, Guanajuato, or other states. Remittances support this work, while ejido members avoid extracting timber to prevent degradation. They discourage tourism due to littering concerns.
Successes and Future Prospects
In just nine years, Sierra Gorda has increased forest regeneration from 30% to 80%. This success has created wildlife havens for jaguarundis, linces, birds, and white-tailed deer. Unlike national protected areas, Sello Querétaro allows landowners and ejidos to maintain their lands while receiving payment, offering an alternative to extractive activities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Sello Querétaro program? It’s a forest conservation initiative in Querétaro, Mexico, where landowners and ejido members are compensated for preserving their forests.
- How does the program benefit the Tejamanil ejidos? They receive financial compensation for maintaining their forests, which supplements their income and supports local development.
- What activities do ejidos avoid to participate in the program? Ejidos refrain from logging, agriculture, livestock grazing, and other activities that degrade the forest.
- How does the program impact wildlife? By promoting forest regeneration, the Sello Querétaro program has created habitats for various wildlife species in the Sierra Gorda region.
- What is the long-term vision for forest conservation in Tejamanil? Local leaders aspire to make forest conservation a sustainable way of life, similar to Costa Rica’s success in ecotourism and conservation.
