Wetland restoration in private and Ejido land in the Colorado River delta, Mexico

Abstract

The purpose of my research was to determine if landowners in the Colorado River delta were interested in participating in a program for restoring wetlands on their lands. I interviewed 30 landowners along the river and 16 on the marginal areas of the delta Results show that wetland restoration in private and ejido lands is feasible in the Colorado River delta, Mexico. This restoration could be embraced and enhanced by the participation of local communities. Although, interviewed farmers are willing to contribute with land and water, the water they can provide will not be enough to main existing riparian habitats. Farmers stated that they would not pump out any water delivered to the delta for environmental purposes because it would make their crops unprofitable. Thus, a binational agreement allocating in-stream flows for environmental purposes to the delta needs to be addressed and will be respected by Mexican farmers.