Programs

Wetlands Conservation

M.E.M. Elisa Peresbarbosa Rojas
Program coordinator
humedales@pronaturaveracruz.org

The lagoon and estuary systems of the coasts of Veracruz are some of the most important in the country, originally covering close to 800 kilometers of the state’s coastline. The wetlands of Veracruz are marine and coastal classified under the subtype: “Intertidal with trees”; this includes mangroves, swamps, flooded forests or tides floodable with freshwater. It contains lagoons with water that is between brackish and saltwater with a relatively narrow connection to the sea, as part of their characteristics. Some have been identified as critical ecosystems due to being important habitat for migratory birds that arrive from the northern continent, as well as for diverse endemic and endangered species. They are also important economically for the region and state due to fishing, livestock and sugar cane. Most of the population in these areas is ethnically composed of mestizo people with black origins as well as others.

The coastal wetlands in Veracruz are ecosystems with great biological richness, the wetlands are important because of their production of a great deal of benefits and environmental services such as naturally filtering and cleaning water, regulating temperature, fishing reservoirs, etc. However, wetlands are very fragile, and they are easily affected by human activities such as livestock, deforestation and the pollution of rivers, etc.

The wetlands of Veracruz begin in the northern part of the state with the lagoon complex formed by the Pueblo Viejo, Tamiahua and Tampamachoco lagoons; and from there and towards the south lies the river mouths, beaches and estuaries of the Tuxpan, Cazones, Tecolutla and Nautla rivers, the La Mancha Lagoon, the dune systems from Villa Rica to Alvarado, the Actopan and Antigua rivers, the San Julián and Mandinga Lagoon, the lagoon system of Alvarado, the Catemaco lake and Ostión lagoon, and finally, in the extreme south lies the Coatzacoalcos river and its tributaries. Between all of these major wetlands lie smaller streams and ponds that are equally important as they connect the larger systems together.

The chain of the state’s wetlands is particularly valuable as a refuge for migratory birds (with over 200 species) during winter and also as a home to many resident species like the endangered Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) and the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis), and the rare Double-striped Thick-knee (Burhinus bistriatus). These wetlands are also home to charismatic species like the Manatee, which occupies the internal lagoons and each year thousands of sea turtles from 5 different species arrive to use the warm sands of the coast as nesting sites..

The aquatic vegetation that surrounds the wetlands is also very important, giving effective shelter to many birds, reptiles, crustaceans, and fish against predators, including man. Many of the species of vegetation serve as food, medicine and construction material.

The lagoon systems, especially the mangroves, are reproduction areas for dozens of species of fish and crustaceans of comercial value, sustainting part of the economy of some of the surrounding communities.

These wetlands are also the only source of water for much of the fauna, livestock, crops and people that exists during the months of drought from January to the end of July, which gives an added value to the area.

When the wetlands of Veracruz are visited, one of areas with the greatest value for the country and continent is found due to its biological diversity; just a small boat trip through the mangroves and grasslands is enough to enjoy the great variety of plants and animals. Tourist activity in the wetlands is starting to be promoted since these regions are of great beauty and recreational value.

Objective

Pronatura Veracruz, through the Wetlands Conservation Program, is creating many activities that help to prevent environmental problems that arise in these important sites through the following conservation objectives:

• To reduce the impact of human activity through sustainable use of natural resources.
• To encourage environmental protection and care through environmental education directed towards defined audiences.
• To promote the conservation of extensive areas of critical habitat for key species in participation with authorities to establish protected sites.
• To maintain a monitoring system that permits “vigilance of the health” of the objectives and key sites.

Lines of Action

The objectives are promoted through different activities in local groups, co-ops, schools, institutions, and with the authorities of surrounding communities.

• Establishment of strategies of conservation, species management and priority habitat management adequate for the wetland situation.
• Design and making of didactic materials that permit development of educational activities with students, teachers and other defined audiences.
• Campaigns and environmental education activities about the importance of conserving the wetlands using flag species to promote ecological consciousness in the local people.
• Legislation to protect priority wetlands.
• Develop methods to monitor and investigate bird, sea turtle and manatee populations and their habitats in the wetlands.