MexicoEcosystem restoration · Sea level rise
In Río Lagartos (Yucatán), in the face of rising sea levels and coastal vulnerability, the Raíces project (WWF Mexico and UNDP Mexico) articulates the protection and restoration of mangroves with the strengthening of community capacities. In this framework, 150 primary, secondary and high school students participated in the Environmental Challenge, designing local mangrove conservation proposals for climate resilience and receiving the Resilience Badge.
In Río Lagartos (Yucatán), in the face of rising sea levels and coastal vulnerability, the Raíces project (WWF Mexico and UNDP Mexico) articulates the protection and restoration of mangroves with the strengthening of community capacities. In this framework, 150 primary, secondary and high school students participated in the Environmental Challenge, designing local mangrove conservation proposals for climate resilience and receiving the Resilience Badge.
Mexico faces high climate vulnerability due to floods, droughts, heat waves, extreme events and rising sea levels. The coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico concentrate risks due to erosion, loss of territory, flooding and exposure of communities with a high dependence on ecosystems and local livelihoods. The loss of mangroves and exposure to floods, storms and erosion increase the vulnerability of communities that depend on coastal ecosystems for their protection and livelihoods.
Strengthen local and youth capacities to understand climate risks in coastal ecosystems, value the function of mangroves, design community solutions and increase the resilience of communities that live and depend on these ecosystems.
The measure articulates the conservation and restoration of mangroves with community action: (1) Raising awareness about the role of the mangrove as a natural barrier against hurricanes and coastal floods; (2) School training in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve through the 'Environmental Challenge' rally; (3) Participatory design where youth teams created local proposals for conservation solutions evaluated by specialists; and (4) Dissemination of sustainable productive practices compatible with the ecosystem, such as beekeeping in mangroves (Taab Ché Kab).
Youth, students and community of Río Lagartos, Yucatán, in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. The documented activity reached around 150 young people from primary, secondary and high school.
Youth act as key agents in the community protection of mangroves within the Raíces project, promoted by WWF Mexico and UNDP Mexico. Through the Environmental Challenge in three local schools, 150 students were trained as ecological stewards and designed local adaptation and resilience initiatives.
The documented activity managed to raise awareness among about 150 young people about the importance of mangroves, the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and the design of local solutions. In addition, the youth received the “Resilience Badge” for their environmental and community commitment.
WWF Mexico and UNDP Mexico. Web: https://www.wwf.org.mx/nuestro_trabajo/cambio_climatico/iniciativas_de_adaptacion/raices/
Private
Río Lagartos is a coastal community located in a mangrove area of high ecological importance. The loss or degradation of these ecosystems can increase local exposure to flooding, erosion, storms, and other climate impacts. The measure responds to the need to strengthen community resilience and local capacities in the face of climate change.
Mexico has a climate policy framework made up of the General Climate Change Law, the National Strategy and NDC 3.0, whose adaptation priorities include the protection of coastal ecosystems and the reduction of local vulnerabilities. In this framework, the Raíces project articulates solutions based on nature and mangrove conservation with youth participation to strengthen resilience in vulnerable coastal communities.
The measure brings together WWF Mexico, UNDP Mexico, local authorities and youth of Río Lagartos. WWF and UNDP promote the project and capacity building; The authorities and community facilitate territorial implementation; and youth participate in learning activities, raising awareness and designing local solutions.
The implementation is favored by the existence of the Raíces project, the joint work of WWF and UNDP, the presence of mangroves of high ecological value and the participation of youth and local institutions. Among the conditions are the need for continuity after educational activities, sustained financing and measurement of ecological and community results.
The measure generates environmental education, community ownership, youth awareness, appreciation of mangroves, strengthening of local capacities and greater connection between youth, ecosystems and climate action. It can also contribute to community cohesion and protection of ecosystem services.
It can be replicated in other coastal communities with mangroves if there are technical allies, schools or youth groups, educational materials, open local authorities and financing for training activities. The experience is especially useful for territories where adaptation requires combining education, ecosystems and community participation.
Sustainability depends on educational activities translating into continuous processes of youth participation, community monitoring, restoration or protection of mangroves, and coordination with local authorities. It also requires financing, technical monitoring and community appropriation beyond specific events.
Youth in Río Lagartos receive “Resilience Badge” (UN Mexico): https://mexico.un.org/es/291299-juventudes-en-r%C3%ADo-lagartos-yucat%C3%A1n-reciben-%E2%80%9Cinsignia-de-resiliencia%E2%80%9D-por-su-compromiso-como; Results of the Raíces project strengthen municipal and community resilience (UN Mexico): https://mexico.un.org/es/311053-resultados-del-proyecto-ra%C3%ADces-fortalecen-la-resiliencia-municipal-y-comunitaria-en-las ; WWF and UNDP will strengthen coastal communities and municipalities in Mexico in adaptation to climate change (UN Mexico): https://mexico.un.org/es/262261-wwf-y-pnud-fortalecer%C3%A1n-comunidades-y-municipios-costeras-de-m%C3%A9xico-en-adaptaci%C3%B3n-al-cambio