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News Bahia de los Angeles declared biosphere reserve
[Photo: WiLDCOAST]
Bahia de los Angeles Declared Biosphere Reserve by President Felipe Calderon of Mexico
by Serge Dedina
07/06/2007:// Mexico City. June 6, 2007. Mexican President Felipe Calderon formally approved the establishment of the Bahia de los Angeles Biosphere Reserve in the Midriff Islands Region of the Sea of Cortez in Northwest Mexico. The reserve encompasses 957,660-acres of coastal, marine and island ecosystems that provide habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species including whale sharks, eastern Pacific green sea turtles, fin whales and killer whales. The area is often referred to as the "Yellowstone" or "Galapagos" of Mexico for the spectacular nature of its scenery and the unique wildlife species that inhabit the region.
The entire area is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Serge Dedina, Executive Director of WiLDCOAST, "Bahia de los Angeles and the Midriff Islands region is one of the world's most important coastal and marine ecosystems and represents a historic achievement in protecting Mexico's rich biodiversity and wild areas by President Calderon."
The protected area project was initiated and managed under the leadership of Pronatura Noroeste and Pronatura, two of Mexico's leading conservation organizations. Additional organizations that played a key role in supporting the establishment of the new Biosphere Reserve include the Mexican Fund for Conservation, WiLDCOAST, Conservation International, as well as a large network of scientists from Mexico and the United States who have conducted research in the area.
Ernesto Enkerlin, Director of the Mexico's Protected Area Commission (CONANP), also played a critical role in championing the new protected area. A number of foundations in Mexico and the United States provided key financial support for a trust fund that will provide monies for reserve management. The reserve will be managed under the authority of Mexico's Environment Agency (SEMARNAT) under the direction of CONANP.
During the Fox administration, the Bahia de los Angeles Area was slated for development as part of FONATUR's ill-fated "Nautical Ladder" project. However, under the Calderon administration it is unclear whether or not Miguel Gomes Mont, FONATUR's new director will proceed with mega-development plans for Bahia de los Angeles under the new "Mar de Cortes" tourism development program.
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