Model Forests: Case Study in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico

In August 1990, the governments of Canada and Mexico signed a cooperation agreement for the establishment of the Calakmul Model Forest (CMF). The basic rationale is that the forest can be managed by achieving both economic and ecological objectives. Thus, in 1994, the Regional Council for Pastoral and Agroforesty Systems of Xpujil Campeche (RAFSX) and the CMF joined efforts in order to diversify the production of lands opened to cultivation, improving conservation of forest in an ecological way and rescuing archaeological mayan sites. In this research, the practical knowledge of local peasants for planning the sustainable management of natural resources were studied and analyzed keeping in mind a broad intersectoral vision. The work includes an inter-institutional framework such as peasant organization and participation, available and required technology, available and needed resources, evaluation and monitoring of social impact. In the process of planning and execution the program was presented to 72 ejidos (communal farms), starting with 22% active ejidos and ending with 71% after 6 years after launching the program.