Story from Dave Kramer, EcoLogic Development Fund
The Chinantla region in Northern Oaxaca, Mexico, forms part of the Sierra Norte mountain range. The region is a national conservation priority in Mexico as a major reservoir for water and as habitat for over 530 bird species and a wide array of plants and animals. In 2013, EcoLogic began collaborating with the Regional Environmental Collaborative for the Chinantla Region of Oaxaca, Mexico (FARCO) to develop plans to add 11,500 hectares to the land already certified as Community Conservation Areas in the region. The Open Standards and Miradi—along with guidance from coach Yven Echeverria—have been crucial tools in this process, especially in developing multi-year project plans that incorporate the logic of results chains and related milestones and indicators.
Recently, EcoLogic discovered that using the OS has incredible value beyond the planning process. When the Mexican government was making severe budget cuts, FARCO was able to clearly explain a collective vision for the Chinantla Region. With such a well laid out plan, they were able to secure financing for a critically needed tree nursery annex. The OS have also helped EcoLogic and FARCO clarify their relationship, expand their horizons, and negotiate with new communities.
Work in Chinantla has been funded significantly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Neotropical Migratory Bird Act and our “Communities Protecting Flora and Fauna in Oaxaca” project.
