Calakmul.org
Title
Friends of Calakmul
Contact
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- SAN MATEO CA
- United States 94402
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- +1.6503435898
Description
Friends of Calakmul (FOC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of jaguars and their habitat, primarily focused on the Buffer Zone surrounding the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in southern Mexico. Friends of Calakmul is formed by a small group of scientists and concerned citizens aware of the dangers faced by the tropical forests of Calakmul due to growing human pressures. Activities such as logging, illegal hunting and other such activities are being undertaken today. We are committed to reversing these activities and maintaining the long-term preservation of jaguars and their fragile ecosystem for generations to come.
The Core Zone of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is protected by the Mexican Government. The Core Zone is the nucleus or center of the Reserve and all human activities are forbidden. The Reserve has a Buffer Zone surrounding the Core Zone where activities such as sustainable logging may take place. The money from your donation is used to convert Buffer Zone land into de facto Core Zone as a way to increase long-term protection of the jaguars´ habitat.
It would be unrealistic to say that we can guarantee protection of any lands, which can be subject to illegal logging, hunting, or any natural disaster. However, our results-based strategy makes conservation a realistic goal. Friends of Calakmul (FOC) provides an economic alternative to the extraction of plant and animal species and unsustainable farming practices. We have formed partnerships with the ejidatarios -the community owners of the land : FOC pays them a yearly fee in perpetuity in exchange for conserving their land . This mechanism provides them with a vested interest in protecting the rainforest. How can we prove that the land is being protected? We conduct yearly surveys to ensure compliance. Our partners are paid only after the survey proves no human disruption has taken place.
