WWF in Mexico - Freshwater

Chihuahuan Desert and Fresh Water

The Chihuahuan Desert is one of the biologically richest deserts in the world . It has been classified by WWF as a Global 200 ecoregion both for its terrestrial and freshwater importance. Its lakes, springs, rivers and streams are home to a spectacular array of freshwater species. Its forests of cacti and its oases contain many endemic species such as the aquatic-desert turtle.

In the Chihuahuan desert, farmers are irrigating from the desert's remaining water sources (the oases), which can lead to the extinction of the desert's endemic aquatic species.

Threats to the region's freshwater resources
Stress on Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity comes from 3 main sources: water misuse and mismanagement; overgrazing by cattle and goats; and the lack of knowledge among human populations of the Chihuahuan Desert's importance.

In this context, the involvement and cooperation of local actors is crucial for conservation efforts. Thus, WWF is always looking for potential local partners to work with on 4 main topics: habitat and species protection, protected areas, freshwater, communications, education and capacity building.

Rio Grande in the Chihuahuan desert ecoregion
The WWF-Mexico program office (MPO) and WWF-US are working with Mexican and American government agencies, landowners and local NGOs on a 4-year project in the bi-national Rio Grande/Rio Bravo basin, which includes a large portion of the Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion.

Sponsored by HSBC, this project has the objectives of: conserving water resources on the US/Mexico border to better meet the needs of wildlife and people, implement water policy reforms that allocate water for ecological uses and reward good management practices, demonstrate better water management practices through integrated watershed management pilot projects, and involve key stakeholders in the implementation of water policy reforms and restoration strategies that benefit the basin.

The WWF MPO has also established a partnership with the Gonzalo Rio Foundation (GRF) in Mexico to promote sustainable water use and conservation of natural sources of freshwater through IRBM.

In collaboration with Mexican governmental agencies, technical and academic institutions, and local communities, the WWF-GRF partnership will work in 3 river basins (including the Rio Conchos basin, a tributary of the Rio Bravo) to strengthen water policies and institutional capacity, analyse hydrological and socio-economic dynamics, restore high priority freshwater areas, and promote local community participation in watershed management.