Community Water Monitoring Network
The Monarch Reserve’s Community Water Monitoring Network was established in 2011, is composed by the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve’s Directorship, Alternare A.C., Biocenosis A.C., Espacio Autónomo A.C., the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN), Fondo Monarca (Monarch Fund), and UNAM’s Center for Research in Environmental Geography Research (CIGA-UNAM).
The Community Water Monitoring Network carries out its activities in the Lerma-Toluca and Cutzamala watersheds, which are part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Community Water Monitoring Network Goals
- Support local communities, civil organizations, and government institutions in collecting critical water data.
- Protect the region’s watersheds.
- Strengthen capacities and empower community groups to influence the policies and institutions in charge of water management.
- Assess the effectiveness of conservation tools such as payments for hydrological environmental services (PSAH), the Monarch Fund (Fondo Monarca), and concurrent funds from the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR).
Watershed management in Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Activities of the Community Water Monitoring Network
- Share and socialize the strategy with the main actors of the micro-watersheds to work in the region, especially with the owners of forest lands. Train and certify community groups in water monitoring using Global Water Watch (GWW) protocols.
- Train and certify community groups in water monitoring using Global Water Watch (GWW) protocols.
- Validate the results of field monitoring through specialized laboratory analysis.
- Develop a regional database with information on the water quality of each of the monitored localities that serves as a decision-making tool for management in the protected natural area.
- Analyze water quality data to identify pollution sources and plan improvement strategies.
- Gather information on local water use, traditions, and management practices.
- Systematize, share and disseminate experiences and lessons learned with key actors through an approach and tools that motivate their involvement and active participation in the process.
- Secure human and financial resources to strengthen the Community Water Monitoring Network.
Community Water Monitoring Network
Alternare
Biocenosis
CIGA
Espacio Autónomo
FMCN
Fondo de Conservación del Eje Neovolcánico
Global Water Watch
Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca
