UT researchers and rock band help to protect Mexican forest

22 / 06 / 2012 | Redactie

The University of Twente in collabortion with the Mexican University of ITESO and Mexican rock band Maná are working to promote conservation and biodiversity in Mexico’s La Primavera Forest. The research is led by University of Twente Professor Jon Lovett and coordinated by Arturo Balderas Torres in Mexico who will be receiving his PhD from the University of Twente. Maná will help to spread the word of the work that is being done and the band are also making donations towards conservation efforts. All are hoping that small practical actions will benefit La Primavera Forest as well as landowners in the area by using local payment schemes.

Mexico’s La Primavera Forest has recently been devastated by fire and this project will give much needed support and attention to that area. Researchers are hoping to work with locals and landowners to compensate them for promoting conservation and biodiversity. The project will have a direct benefit to those that live in the area and hopefully this will encourage efforts towards protecting their enviroment instead of pushing for profits. Benefits from conservation efforts will be in their own area for members of the community to enjoy.

With the assistance of Maná and the Selva Negra Ecologic Foundation, which was founded by Maná in 1995, research is being put into practice much quicker than expected. The band has estimated the costs due to carbon emissions and environmental impacts of their tour. A contribution of £0.5 million will be made to a community near La Primavera Forest towards forest conservation and replanting. This is a win win situation for all involved, and a great example of how interaction between environmnet and economy can be mutually beneficial.