New Natural Protected Area in Mexico, Haven for Wildlife | Community Spirit

Sonoran family commits to voluntary land conservation for regional wildlife

The following is a news release from the Sky Island Alliance:

A privately owned ranch in northern Sonora, located just 30 miles south of the international border, has been voluntarily set aside for wildlife conservation. In March 2011 the Mexican National Commission of Natural Protected Areas announced the designation of “Rancho El Aribabi” as a Natural Protected Area, under the category of Voluntary Land Conservation. The designation protects 10,000 acres of private property located in Municipality of Imuris, Sonora for ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and ecotourism.

After a long process initiated and led by landowner Carlos Robles Elias, and supported by scientists and conservation groups from Mexico and the United States, CONANP has certified that “Rancho El Aribabi” hosts a wide array of protected species of plants and animals and their habitats whose protection mitigates climate change effects in the region. Additionally, it is a unique place for environmental education.

Under this designation, the Robles family commits to conserve Rancho El Aribabi in its current state; carry out conservation policies, guidelines and actions established in the Ranch’s management plan; allow CONANP personnel to conduct supervision and monitoring activities; continue to inventory local flora and fauna; and, develop an environmental education plan. El Aribabi remains privately owned by the Robles family, who will continue manage the ranch to maintain the excellent conservation status of the property. The designation does not include any financial incentives, further demonstrating the strong conservation commitment of the family, who have progressively reduced cattle grazing on the ranch over the last decade.

“Our family is proud to provide a preserve for the region’s plants and animals in perpetuity," says Carlos Robles Elias, owner of Rancho El Aribabi. "For my family it means sharing our lives with all the wildlife that surrounds us. It is very satisfactory and it teaches us, and society in general, to share the world. Whether we realize it or not, we all have a commitment to protect the natural world, since we rely on nature to eat and live."

Every year, El Aribabi hosts numerous tourists, workshops, training sessions, and research projects partnering with groups like the University of Sonora, the Sonoran Joint Venture and Sky Island Alliance.

“The excellent habitat, combined with a landowner with a strong conservation ethic, made the Ranch a natural fit for our work,” says SJV Coordinator Robert Mesta. “Finding a rancher in northern Mexico like Carlos Robles, who so strongly supports conservation, is unique. We knew we needed to encourage and support his efforts.”

“Designating Rancho El Aribabi as a protected area gives the Robles family the recognition they deserve for their hard work in bringing attention to the incredible diversity of their land, as well as their efforts to protect and improve the area for wildlife in the region,” says Mesta. “Rancho El Aribabi will continue to provide excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife for years to come.”

“Sky Island Alliance commends ranch owner Carlos Robles and his family for their work and commitment to wildlife conservation,” says SIA Executive Director, Melanie Emerson. “His successes expand beyond international borders, and his land ethic reaches people from all walks of life, making him a model for community-based conservation in the region.” SIA has documented jaguars, ocelots and many other common and protected species, and has provided training for over one hundred volunteers and students from Mexico and the U.S. on the ranch.

El Aribabi remains privately owned by the Robles family, who will continue manage the ranch to maintain the excellent conservation status of the property. They will follow the CONANP-approved management guidelines and plan.