The Monarch Network
In 2009, civil society organizations established the Monarch Network with the aim of collaborating on projects and initiatives for the conservation of the monarch region and the development of the communities that live there, as well as to promote conservation actions along the migratory route.
The main achievements of the Network have been the development and strengthening of digital communication platforms, as well as the design and implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a Documentation Center (CEDOC) of the organizations that are part of the Monarch Network.
Goals of the Monarch Network
- Provide relevant information to support research and outreach in the Monarch region and the monarch butterfly’s migratory route.
- Conduct conservation and restoration activities for natural resources.
- Strengthen local capacities and improve the quality of life for residents in the Monarch region and along the migratory route.
- Promote sustainable development and responsible management of ecosystems and biodiversity through productive projects, scientific research, and their implementation.
Monarch Network Activities
- Advise on the development of environmental education programs.
- Train and certify community groups in sustainable productive practices.
- Offer courses and workshops on eco-technologies, sustainable ecosystem use, and development.
- Develop technologies to make relevant information on natural resource management and conservation accessible to society.
- Generate and share knowledge about migration conditions in the U.S. and Canada.
- Carry out forest conservation activities in the core zone of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, focusing on protecting watersheds, conserving biodiversity, and preserving the butterfly migratory phenomenon.
- Conduct training on gender equality, water management, and integrated micro-watershed management.
- Socio-environmental and economic research on gender relations regarding access to land and water.
Alternare
For 26 years, we have been committed to conserving the monarch butterfly’s habitat by working closely with rural communities and ejidos. We seek to promote sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and food sovereignty at both group and community levels. Wehave benefited over 100,000 people in 39 communities, including 33% from indigenous populations. Recognized by the FAO, IDB, OAS, and USFWS, our projects have had a significant impact, strengthening capacities, fostering community governance, and advancing food sovereignty—all while demonstrating our dedication to the social and environmental well-being of the Monarch region.
Biocenosis
Biocenosis A.C. has been active in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve for 15 years. With support from various government and private institutions, we have carried out projects in numerous agrarian communities. This direct collaboration with ejidos and local populations has allowed us to understand their lifestyles, needs, and challenges, aiming for our projects are geared towards a common good.
Cielo Rojo
Is an organization created by filmmakers and professionals in forestry, social, and environmental sciences, dedicated to developing audiovisual projects that promote awareness of the environment, culture, and art.
Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience working on socio-environmental processes in the Monarch region, particularly in the State of Mexico.
Correo Real
Correo Real is an environmental education and citizen science program of PROFAUNA A.C., established in 1992 in Saltillo, Coahuila. Our mission is to contribute to the conservation of the monarch butterfly’s migratory route in Mexico.
We work with citizens, environmental educators, and school communities interested in this migratory phenomenon.
We also collaborate with governments, private initiatives, and other civil society organizations to implement key actions. Through educational resources and social media, we promote the conservation of monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Espacio Autónomo
Founded on May 5, 1998, Espacio Autónomo is a civil association made up of researchers specializing in social, environmental, agronomic, economic, cultural, and communication sciences.
We work in the northern and central areas of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), in the states of Morelos and Guerrero. Our mission is to work jointly with rural and urban men and women to advance economic and social justice, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.
Fondo de Conservación del Eje Neovolcánico
We are a regional institution that channels financial resources to organized civil society groups, ejidos, and communities working in various Natural Protected Areas in central Mexico. Our efforts focus on conserving mountains, forests, and, more recently, the Lerma Wetlands—one of central Mexico’s largest wetlands and a vital habitat for diverse aquatic bird species, recognized as a RAMSAR Site.
Our work is based on ecosystem conservation and restoration, community tourism, strategic networks and alliances, as well as monitoring and follow-up.
Monarch Butterfly Fund
Our vision is to achieve healthy ecosystems and sustainable communities that preserve North American monarch butterflies and their spectacular migration in perpetuity. Our mission is to foster the conservation of this magnificent species by focusing on five strategic areas: habitat restoration, scientific research, monitoring, education, and supporting sustainable community development in and near monarch habitats in Mexico.
Razonatura
At Colectividad Razonatura, we aim to promote sustainable development and responsible management of ecosystems and biodiversity by empowering social actors and fostering collective ownership of knowledge, technologies, and traditional practices.
We collaborate with ejidos, communities, and organized groups to co-create sustainable practices that address the environmental and social challenges of our time.
Red Nacional de Fenología
We are a group of professors, researchers, and students from the UNAM’s College of Geography Department from the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature, concerned about understanding the effects of climate change on Mexico’s flora and fauna.
We work in collaboration with communities in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and civil society organizations like Alternare A.C. and FOCEN, to collect data on species development cycles through citizen science. Recently, we have implemented tools like phenological cameras to monitor vegetation in the Reserve.
