Defensa De La Sierra de Cuidad Juarez is a group in Juarez that wants to make a difference to stop the uncontrolled destruction of wildlife habitat in Mexico. Earlier this year we told you about group leader Ray Aguilar who has provided this update.
by Ray Aguilar
Ciudad Juárez is a place that needs a lot of environmental attention and the current situation is very alarming. Our group called the Defensa de la Sierra de Juárez (DSJZ) is committed to rescuing the Sierra de Juárez mountain range west of Ciudad Juárez where there are serious problems of contamination, irregular settlements, over exploitation of resources, illegal extraction of flora and fauna and displacement of wildlife.
DSJZ seeks to recover habitat for wildlife by helping to restore the habitat into a pleasant place. We are currently working on a recovery project at the Mirador Hidalgo, located in the Periférico Camino Real in the Sierra de Juárez. We believe that this area is a high priority place for people to get closer to the Sierra de Juárez and learn more about it. Encouraging people to connect to nature can also help lower crime rates. The areas we are working in can become places for recreation and leisure in support of sustainable tourism for Juárez and El Paso.
Recently two projects have been started in conjunction with organizations from the city such as Juárez Limpio AC, Colectivo Ciclista Fixiebeat, Aprendamos Ciencia, Rotaract Integra Juárez, Senderistas de Ciudad Juárez and the Ecology Directorate of the municipality of Juárez. We have planted more than 30 native trees such as mesquite and Palo Verde. We have also collected a large amount of litter.
We plan to continue these efforts in order to meet our goals and make people aware of how important the Sierra de Juárez is for the community of Juárez and El Paso.
A new website is in development and anyone who wants to help can contact the group by email at Sierradeciudadjuarez@gmail.com or text at 011 52 656 214 4109.
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition 