In Cancún, the PROREST program protects key ecosystems with the support of communities and visitors. Among the most recent actions I have been involved in are Protection of diseased corals and herbivorous fish, Mangrove reforestation in Nichupté, and Urban cenote clean-ups, all of them essential to preserve the natural balance of the region.

My arrival and experience

I traveled to Cancún with the purpose of joining the PROREST program and collaborating in mangrove restoration at the Nichupté Lagoon System. I arrived by plane at Cancún Airport, stayed in a small downtown hotel to be close to transportation routes, and from there I commuted daily to the project site.

I stayed for a full week, fully dedicated to conservation activities. My main motivation was to help protect the coast from erosion, restore habitats for marine species, and at the same time learn more about the importance of mangroves. The tropical weather marked the experience: sunny mornings, rainy afternoons, and warm temperatures around 28°C.

Before arriving, I had already registered in the program, booked my accommodation, and started reading articles on mangrove conservation to be better prepared.

Activities

During this week, I participated in coral reef restoration in Punta Cancún and Nizuc, helping to recover reef coverage. I also joined urban cenote clean-up campaigns, where together with volunteers we removed tons of waste.

One of the most meaningful experiences was planting thousands of mangroves in Nichupté, removing invasive species, and creating local jobs. I also supported environmental education programs involving tourists and residents, and participated in coastal surveillance with drones to protect sea turtles and prevent illegal activities.

Future Plans

My commitment goes beyond this first experience. In the first week, I plan to attend a coral reef monitoring workshop to learn how to identify healthy and damaged corals; if I don’t, I won’t be able to contribute effectively to their conservation.

In the second week, I want to help install informative signs in protected natural areas; if I don’t, visitors will keep impacting the ecosystem without realizing it.

And in the third week, I plan to join a beach clean-up campaign with local students and tourists; if I don’t participate, sea turtles will continue facing waste that threatens their survival.

I will stay in an eco-lodge shared with other volunteers, surrounded by nature and close to the national park. My stay will last three months, during which I will learn and work with people from all over the world.

The main reason I am going is because I want to help protect biodiversity and learn more about conservation programs. Veracruz is famous for its tropical climate; it is usually hot and very humid with frequent rains, but also sunny days that make the rainforest look even more alive.

So far, I have already planted trees, cleaned trails, and worked with local communities on plastic recycling. I have also monitored animals in the reserve and participated in environmental workshops for children.

In the coming days, I plan to join a night walk to observe nocturnal animals, help restore a mangrove area, and collaborate in a beach clean-up campaign. I am sure this experience will be unforgettable and will inspire my career in environmental sciences.

Activities

• As a volunteer with CONAP, I have trained in rural tourism to promote the conservation of natural resources.

• As a volunteer of Conap in Veracruz, I have trained local communities in sustainable rural tourism to promote conservation of natural resources.

• As a volunteer in Veracruz, I have supported ecological restoration activities to recover degraded ecosystems.

• As a volunteer of Conap in Veracruz, I have helped raise awareness about climate change and waste reduction in coastal communities.

• As a volunteer in Veracruz, I have collaborated in the protection of mangroves to strengthen natural barriers against hurricanes.

Future Plans

• I am going to plant More tress un Veracruz to help restore the rainforest

• I think I will see many different species of birds and insects during this activity

• I am going to participate in a mangrove restoration project a long the coast

• I think I will discover species, I have nevera seen before

• I am going to support ecological restoration activities in degraded ecosystems

I'm extremely excited to contribute to species conservation and green spaces. I'm leading a team of volunteers in a 4-week species conservation project in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. I share an apartment with just one other volunteer. Volunteers work four days a week and spend the rest of their time exploring the area, visiting the impressive Sumidero Canyon with its viewpoints, the imposing figure of the Christ of Chiapas in the town of Copoya, the Marimba Park with music and entertainment, and the Regional Museum of Chiapas. My base is located in a warm climate zone, so the climate is warm and sub-humid with summer rainfall. The project's objective is to support the survival of priority species and their biodiversity, as well as to encourage community participation in monitoring and surveillance of natural resources.

ACTIVITIES

• I have supported the survival of priority species.

• I have managed the territory of Protected Natural Areas.

• I have encourage community participation in the surveillance and monitoring of natural resources.

• I have detected and prevented damage and trafficking of species.

• I have collaborated with local communities to develop species conservation projects.

FUTURE PLANS

I'm working on several exciting projects. I'm developing a species conservation project in a specific region to protect biodiversity. I'm creating an environmental education program to raise awareness about the importance of species conservation. I'm researching a particular species to better understand its behavior and needs. I'm collaborating with international organizations to develop large-scale species conservation projects. I'm establishing a sanctuary for endangered species to provide a safe habitat.

I hope these projects will have a positive impact on the environment and species conservation.

Activities

This week:

• I have trained local residents on the management of protected natural areas.

• I have conducted awareness campaigns in nearby communities.

• I have prepared reports on the management of protected natural areas.

• I have plened trees in reforestation areas.

• I have monitored and supervise the progress of reforestation, among ather things.

Future Plans

I think I might visit the DIF playground this weekend, but I'll definitely go to the Sonora Ecological Center (zoo) on Sunday to enjoy the trip a little more. Also, I'll definitely dedicate a weekday to completely rest, because on Saturday I plan to go to the mall to hang out.

Activities

• I have carried out diagnostic studies and public consultations in ANPs.

• I have trained communities in management and conservation.

• I have coordinated reforestation and ecological restoration.

• I have monitored conservation projects and community surveillance.

• I have supported citizen committees to ensure program transparency.

Consequences

If you cut down trees you destroy green areas, if you destroy green areas you damage animal habitats, if you destroy animals' habitat they are in danger of disappearing, if animals are in danger of disappearing we have no flora and fauna on our planet.

Solution

Promote the responsible use of natural resources and an action plan on reforestation