Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Fauna Silvestre Ecosystem Services and the goals of sustainable development (ODS): antagonisms or synergies? The case when cattle restore grasslands in Mexico. Using the Payment for Environmental Services to help and support local and sustainable economies. LA Ecosystem Services Conference Cali, Colombia 19 de octubre 2016 Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Fauna Silvestre

Ecosystem Services and the goals of sustainable development (ODS): antagonisms or synergies? $$ $$ $$ $$ Limitations Price $ Permanence and distribution uncertain due financial availability Only few areas in all country Low capacity of social organization, The existence of a real, durable and fair market.

Ecosystem Services and the goals of sustainable development (ODS): antagonisms or synergies?

Ecosystem Services and the goals of sustainable development (ODS): antagonisms or synergies? $$$$ $$ Ecosystem Services $$$$ $$

Reserva de la Biosfera Janos

Arid Grasslands have a high and charismatic biological diversity.

Reserva de la Biosfera Janos (2009) - Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP).

Prairie dogs and Ecosystem Services General objective To evaluate the contribution of prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in the supply of ecosystem services of semiarid grasslands. Particular objectives To analyze changes on the supply of ecosystem services during the transition from grasslands to scrublands. To determine the implications of the prairie dogs extirpation on long-term conservation of grasslands and the services they provide to the society. Martínez-Estévez at al. 2014 Davidson et al. 2010

Cattle and Ecosystem Services Sierra-Corona 2012

Cattle, Prairie dog and Ecosystem Services Sierra-Corona 2012

Regional Activities Cattle management Grassland has been degraded in 80,000 ha Agriculture Grassland has been converted in 15,000 ha

No sustainable cattle activities Other Consequences Poisoning campaigns Carnivore eradication Population growing No sustainable cattle activities Habitat lost and fragmentation GMO´s

Ecosystem Services Loss and Consequences 2006

Part of the problem (and solution): Economic incentives provided by Federal Government. SAGARPA - $$$$$$ SEMARNAT - $$

Challenges and opportunities Integrar las actividades humanas con las estrategias de conervación Manejo adecuado de vida silvestre y ganado Promover estrategias de manejo, restauración y conservación a GRAN ESCALA dentro de la reserva

Current Efforts Programa de ganadería sustentable

Current Efforts Grassland restoration 150 HECTÁREAS

Current Efforts Grassland recovery in 100 hectares

Current Efforts 2013 2014 More than 50 hectares under experimental grassland recovery

Ponerse en zapatos de los productores locales. Inter disciplina. Intercambio bidireccional de conocimiento en cuanto: Manejo sustentable de ganado Restauración de pastizales Capacitación, aprendizaje y acompañamiento con lideres locales. Análisis económico de las actividades tradicionales versus actividades alternativas (sustentables). Diseño e inclusión de practicas sustentables en programas federales para el apoyo al campo y desarrollo rural (CONANP, SAGARPA). PROCER 2015

Lideres locales adaptando el conocimiento adquirido en talleres Sector La Báscula, Ejido San Pedro Restauración de suelos Remoción de mezquite Des compactación de suelos RECUPERACIÓN DE PASTIZAL Negative prespective of cattle has been exaltados, while benefits has been subestimados “We do not proce cattle, we produce grass” A.Carrillo We do not focuss on protect prairie dog, or any other wilife conservation we focuss also in grass conservation Resiembra de pastos nativos Toma de decisiones Manejo sustentable de ganado

Uso de herramientas económicas para demostrar que el manejo sustentable de ganado es rentable a largo plazo. Indicadores de rentabilidad Análisis Costo Beneficio

CONCLUSIONS Through a case study in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, we show that it is possible to start a collective action to implement sustainable cattle practices in a period of 5 years, with a relatively low initial investment (US$ 200,000), an amount considerably low compared with funds provided by ESP. Need of invest in local and traditional activities that provide real economic incentives for owners until they genuinely adopt those sustainable models on their own, then, PES may cover more area and benefit more people. It is necessary to complement PES with analysis that address the economic causes of environmental degradation and encourage the organization and empowerment of local communities.

The case when cattle restore grasslands in Mexico The case when cattle restore grasslands in Mexico. Using the Payment for Environmental Services to help and support local and sustainable economies. Eduardo Ponce Guevara eponce@ecologia.unam.mx