A Significant Moment for Mexican Cooperativism
In a pivotal moment for Mexican cooperativism, Caja Gonzalo Vega (CGV) was granted a decree by the Querétaro State Government recognizing Parque Natural La Beata as an Area Natural Protegida for 20 years. This recognition falls under the category of Zona Natural Privada o Comunitaria, encompassing 100 hectares of forest in Amealco de Bonfil since 2007.
A Cooperative Vision Protecting Life
Verónica Pueblito Arreola Olvera, President of Caja Gonzalo Vega’s Administrative Council, emphasized that this declaration is not just an institutional achievement but a call for all cooperatives in the country to highlight their social actions. “We are not just a cooperative that generates financial returns; we also have a significant commitment to social responsibility and environmental care,” she stressed.
An Example of Circular Economy
Today, the park exemplifies circular economy by promoting reforestation, responsible ecotourism, environmental education, and collaboration with nearby rural communities. It hosts species like oak trees, pines, and fruit trees under a minimal intervention and active restoration scheme. CGV has worked alongside institutions such as CEDESU, SEMARNAT, and PROFEPA to ensure all actions comply with current environmental law.
A Shining Example in the International Year of Cooperatives
Caja Gonzalo Vega is affiliated with the Federación Central de Cooperativas and, through it, part of the Confederación de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Préstamo de México (Concamex). This federal structure reflects how popular cajas are integrated into a national system promoting cooperative principles and social responsibility, serving as an example of cohesion, community impact, and sustainability.
This declaration coincides with the International Year of Cooperatives, whose global theme is “Cooperatives build a better world.” CGV reinforces this message with actions, especially as humanity seeks real alternatives amid climate change.
Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
This project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, which aims to protect, restore, and sustainably use ecosystems.
Caja Gonzalo Vega by the Numbers
- +200,000 members
- 40 branches
- Presence in five Mexican states
The cooperative sector of savings and loans in Mexico is present in 28 states through over 2,300 branches attended by more than 20,000 employees providing financial and educational services to members—currently over 9.9 million people, along with more than 2 million minor savers whose early adoption of the savings culture is encouraged. This demonstrates the Mexican cooperative’s commitment to contributing to social, economic, cultural, and sustainable development in the communities where it operates.
