Discovering Ecosystem Services of the Dry Tropical Forest

Here in Careyes we have the incredible fortune of living right next to the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, over 13,000 hectares and home to 72 species of mammals, 270 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians, 46 species of reptiles and over 1200 species of plants. The well-preserved tropical dry forest also facilitates effective rain capture and infiltration, and provides important protection against erosion in an area that receives intense rainfall from tropical storms.

The concept of ecosystem services is an excellent tool for environmental education because it allows students to identify the direct and indirect benefits of nature and conserving natural spaces. That is why we are introducing it as a framework for exploring the Biosphere Reserve and other natural areas, with the aim of increasing the awareness of and need for protected areas.

 In 2018 we began to collaborate with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)´s Chamela-Cuixmala Biological Field Station to organize educational school visits. Students have the opportunity to identify the ecosystem services, key flora and fauna, and to learn about research happening at the reserve.

Join us and help out between January and March for an educational field trip to the UNAM´s Chamela-Cuixmala Biological Field Station or an in-school talk on environmental services.