Part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is highlighting the various global conservation efforts that our funds contribute to. Our partnership with World Land Trust (WLT) allows us unique access to spread the story of these protected habitats.

In this blog we’re shining a spotlight on a remarkable WLT initiative in Mexico that showcases the power of collaboration in preserving our planet’s biodiversity and helping mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Xilitla’s Forests – Critical for Biodiversity and Climate Regulation
High in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico, the WLT Xilitla Forest Project focuses on protecting temperate and cloud forests from wildfires and timber harvesting.

The Xilitla area is rich in oak, pine, and cypress forests, and plays a crucial role in cloud formation and rainfall regulation which is essential for the Huasteca Potosina region. This area is adjacent to the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve which is a biodiversity hotspot that includes rare species like Jaguar, Puma, American Black Bear, and Ocelot. It is also a critical habitat for many endemic and threatened bird species, such as the Bearded Wood-Partridge and the Crested Guan.

These forests store large amounts of carbon—approximately 160 metric tons of CO2e per hectare—making them a key element in the global fight against climate change.

Human-induced Threats

Despite its ecological importance, this region faces several significant threats, primarily due to the expansion of agriculture, livestock grazing, and illegal logging which have led to habitat destruction.

In addition, climate change has exacerbated conditions in the region, leading to more frequent droughts and low rainfall seasons, which heightens the risk of forest fires. It is important to note that cloud forests are not adapted to withstand fire, making conservation efforts even more critical.

The Power of Ejidos and Community Involvement

To manage this project, WLT has partnered with Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda (GESG) since 2007 and is using a concept called “ejidos”, a traditional indigenous land tenure system.

Ejidos allows for communal ownership combined with individual use, with the land managed by Nahuatl, Teenek, and Mestizo populations. These communities are integral to the success of conservation efforts, as they are the stewards of the land.

GESG helps manage the forests through ranger patrols, fire prevention, and sustainable land-use practices. This collaboration ensures that the forests, along with their rich biodiversity, continue to thrive. Local residents are directly involved in protecting the forests from wildfires and illegal logging, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation.

Long-Term Sustainability Through Carbon Offsetting

An essential aspect of the Xilitla project is its long-term financing, which is supported by voluntary carbon offset payments such as those provided by the Carbon Balanced Paper program. This funding helps support natural forest regeneration that sequesters 13,800 metric tons of CO2 annually in addition to conserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The State of San Luís Potosí has also created a Carbon Fund to provide further financial backing for forest protection.

By supporting Carbon Balanced Paper, over 45 North American companies are now contributing to global conservation and carbon reduction efforts such as those in the Xilitla region.

For more information on Carbon Balanced Paper, go to www.carbonbalancedpaperna.com 

For more information on World Land Trust, go to www.worldlandtrust.org 

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