In 2015, the city of Guanajuato in central Mexico launched a strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, leveraging technology and community engagement to protect nature and biodiversity locally, all while keeping the city’s roots and inhabitants top-of-mind.

First, a mobile app named ‘Eco App’ was made available to the public, allowing users to locate and learn more about different local flora and fauna species. Complementing the Eco App’s role in fostering a greater appreciation of nature in the community, the Department of Communication and Environmental Education created a program called “Promotores Ambientales” (“"Environmental Promoters"”) engaging 400 young people to promote the value of the city’s natural heritage and biodiversity, and help shed light on environmental issues.

Protected natural areas were also established in Guanajuato, covering over a fifth of the total area of the city. Local companies were encouraged to support restoration projects in these areas, giving them the opportunity to offset the negative environmental impact of their commercial activities. Additionally, to reduce the potential damage caused by forest fires - one of the biggest threats to these protected areas - an app that can identify fires was developed in collaboration with the University of Guanajuato, allowing forest brigades and civil protection teams to track fires and their location in real time, reducing reaction time and costs.

Photo: Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Ordenamiento Territorial, Estado de Guanajuato

The power of leveraging technology and community can also be seen in the city’s efforts to protect symbolic species such as the monarch butterfly, which start their migrations in Canada and pass through Guanajuato before reaching their final destination. A mobile app called Monarca MX - also used in the United States - was developed, allowing locals to help log the trip of the butterflies, providing valuable data on the migration route of the species.

However, the beauty of Guanajuato’s nature protection and restoration initiatives was not only due to their positive impact on the environment - they also took into account the needs of the city and its inhabitants. Activities such as reforestation, sanitation, pest control, and soil and water conservation created employment opportunities for locals - providing additional income while helping develop an appreciation of the value of nature through their own work. A “Programa Estatal de Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial” ("State Program for Development and Territorial Organization") aka PEDUOET was also created, helping coordinate urban planning and development with nature protection activities. For example, in line with Guanajuato’s rich history as a mining state, PEDUOET facilitated important discussions on where and what type of mining can be practiced, as well as how much mining to perform and its effect on nature.