Arizona Game and Fish Department: The 2008 Veracruz Model: An Innovative Approach of Training, Stewardship, and Capacity Building for Wetland Conservation in Mexico
Objectives: (1) To implement a two-week training course on wetland conservation to 35 resource managers in the
State of Sinaloa and personnel from selected Ramsar sites in Mexico. Some of the trainees will
come from current SJV partner agencies and organizations strengthening local capacity to fulfill bird
and habitat conservation in the area; and
2) To promote awareness of ecological and economic importance of wetland and the mission of the
Ramsar Convention, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the North American Wetland
Conservation Act, and the Sonoran Joint Venture among the public, state and federal authorities,
local universities and non-governmental organizations in the State of Sinaloa.
Project Description:Since 1996, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has partnered with various
wetland organizations and scientists from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and
the Ramsar Convention, to offer training opportunities for wetland managers in Mexico.
On February 4-17, 2008, the 10th Wetlands Training Course will take place in the State
of Sinaloa, Mexico. The training course consists of lectures and field exercises
regarding the principles, and basic techniques and methodologies of modern wetland
definition, classification, evaluation, legislation, conservation and management,
including resident and migrant species, with special emphasis on shorebirds and
waterfowl. The second component of this model is a public awareness campaign that
will be designed to promote the ecological and economic importance of wetland, the
Ramsar Convention, the NAWMP, NAWCA, and the Sonoran Joint Venture among the
public and governmental agencies in Sinaloa. This campaign includes a special event
to celebrate Mexico’s World Wetlands Day, on February 2, 2008 (with national media
coverage); a photography contest; an artwork contest for children; wetland-related
conferences; television and radio programs; and press conferences and releases. This
project will be implemented within the Pacific Lowlands Region, a SJV priority region.
Contact:
Francisco "Paco" Abarca
Borderland Projects Manager
2221 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
Phone: 602-789-3580
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