Short term interests create long term damage
Logging and land-clearing for cattle devastate the landscape
The landscape of this southern coast is meant to be covered by dry tropical forests. To clear the land for cattle ranching means all trees are cut or burned to the ground. This creates a temporary space for grasses to be planted. But generally, the end result is desertification and a scarred landscape that loses its capacity to hold water or grow new plants . Soil is washed away when the rains deluge the ground, and the runoff erosion creates sedimentation of rivers and estuaries.
Reversing this trend and bringing sustainable cattle ranching practices to the region is a major goal of Jicosur programs. In the coming years we will support the agency and complement their efforts with additional projects that will address reforestation and cattle management based on some of the successful programs of natural, non-destructive ranching that have been established in other parts of Mexico.
Logging
Legal and illegal logging of old-growth forests is a problem in many regions of Latin America. Unfortunately, Jalisco is no exception. The management of forests and enforcement of laws is the domain of government agencies, not NGOs.
Our programs will focus on the restoration of endangered species, reforestation, and education.
