Setting-up the demonstrative plots.

The Mintzita wetland complex is a spring-fed natural area harbouring the highest wetland plant species diversity in the region. This ecosystem provides water to close to 300,000 inhabitants of Morelia, the capital of the State of Michoacán in México. Although the wetlands and the springs are public property, local residents make intensive use of wetland resources. Several species are used as forage, agricultural fires reach the wetlands during the dry season and fertilizers increase nutrient loads considerably in some areas. The aim of this project is to develop with local landowners, state officials and other interest groups a program for managing the wetland complex for sustainable use of resources, biodiversity conservation and water quality improvement.

Mintzita wetland.

Conservation of the Minztita wetland ecosystem needs to become a high priority for the State of Michoacán, not only for its biodiversity value (which includes the presence of several endemic species), but also because it is the source of a large proportion of the water used by the capitol city of Morelia. Being the largest spring-fed wetland ecosystem in the state, it is also important for migratory waterfowl and other native animals. Being less than 15 km from downtown Morelia and surrounded by several small towns, it is a unique natural area in the most densely populated area in the state.