Chihuahuan Desert
Results
The United States and Mexico share a long tradition of working together on cross-border issues. WWF builds on that tradition with local offices in both Chihuahua City, Mexico and Las Cruces, New Mexico. In 1997, WWF launched our program here with a focus on solutions that benefit both people and nature.
Notable Accomplishments
1990s
- Convened a U.S.-Mexico summit of biologists to initiate the first ever, comprehensive assessment of biodiversity in the Chihuahuan Desert
2000s
- Created a water trust on the Rio Grande to acquire water rights to improve ecosystem health between Fort Quitman and Amistad Reservoir, Texas
- Secured an agreement between WWF and the Chihuahua state government to implement an integrated river basin management plan for the Río Conchos—the primary river in Chihuahua and the main Mexican tributary of the Rio Grande; the project involves 30 institutions
- Conducted a restoration project with local communities in the Sierra Tarahumara; it included soil conservation activities across 346 acres, the construction of 119 check dams, and the reforestation of 230 acres with native pine trees
