The San Crisanto Foundation manages the conservation work of the San Crisanto community which includes mangrove afforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and fishing and hunting restrictions. This work also supports flood prevention needs in the area.

Nature-based Intervention:

The San Crisanto Foundation, which was established in 2001 to support the management and conservation of the ejido, currently focuses on restoring biodiversity and reducing local flood risk through mangrove afforestation and active conservation efforts. The conservation area covers 1,020 hectares of the total 1,500-hectare area. This conservation area includes 110 hectares of tropical deciduous forest, 850 hectares of mangrove forests, and 60 hectares of grassland and wetland. Conservation efforts include mangrove afforestation and restoration of canals and cenotes that allow floodwaters to drain more easily and provide habitat for local wildlife. A ban on hunting and restrictions on fishing are also enforced to support conservation imperatives. The Foundation prides itself on its community outreach and education programs that promote and raise awareness about the value of wetland and mangrove ecosystems for biodiversity and climate resilience.

Overview of context and outcomes:

The San Crisanto Foundation was established in San Crisanto, a small fishing community of approximately 150 Mayan families on the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico. The Foundation was established in response to increasing exploitation of local natural resources by large farm owners in the area. The Foundation’s work began by staking a land claim under the ‘ejido‘ system, a form of land tenure designation dating back to pre-Columbian Mexico, which was approved by the federal government in 1980. The ejido designation requires a land use plan be put in place, designating a part of the community territory to conservation, productive activities, and land for human settlements.