Context
Mexico has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, ranking second in terms of the number of ecosystems and fourth in the diversity of its species. Among the various nature conservation policies implemented in the country, special priority has been given to the natural protected areas. They are a strategic and cost-effective instrument to combat the impacts of climate change, protect natural resources and biodiversity and maintain a healthy environment.
Objective
Users, inhabitants and decision-makers recognise the value of the goods and ecosystem services that natural protected areas provide to society. The assessment of ecosystem services is developed and incorporated into public policies and economic instruments.
Approach
Although many important ecosystem services emerge from natural protected areas, their value has not yet been quantified or systematised at institutional level. Therefore, under this initiative, studies will be conducted in representative pilot regions to obtain quantitative data on the benefits these services offer there. In addition, practical manuals will provide guidelines that can be used in the assessment processes.
Ecosystem services also play an important role in economic development. Their value, however, is not reflected in programmes and policies on social and economic development. Sometimes the goals of these programmes and policies even hinder the protection of ecosystem services and sustainable development. GIZ therefore advises and supports CONANP in disseminating information and positioning this issue. The assessment model, for example, is being integrated more into public policies, and platforms for dialogue and strategic alliances are being promoted.
Finally, the project will contribute to developing procedures at national level which can be used to assess, estimate and record ecosystem services of the Mexican natural protected areas.
