WWF-UK Research centre: US and Mexico: Restoring a desert lifeline

Supported by HSBC, WWF's work in the Rio Grande basin and its main tributary, the Rio Conchos, aims to break the cycle of escalating water exploitation

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US and Mexico: Restoring a desert lifeline

Country Ц US/Mexico border

Introduction

The Rio Grande is the fifth longest river in North America. Covering a basin area of 170,000 square miles and 1,865 miles long, the Rio Grande and its tributary in Mexico, the Rio Conchos, support an exceptional web of wildlife including hundreds of species of birds, native mammals, fish and reptiles. The river basin, which hosts one of the fastest growing communities in the US and Mexico, supports a population of over nine million people.

Economic land-use development in relation to farming and flood control and increased demand for drinking water have significantly altered the rivers flow, sediment load, channel, floodplain and river corridor. The health of the Rio Grande eco-system is failing due to pollution and over utilization of the water that has been diverted from natural resources to irrigate fields and supply towns.

Supported by HSBC's funding of £1.6million, WWF aims to break the historic cycle of escalating water exploitation in the Rio Grande basin, thus restoring and conserving river habitats and water flow of the Rio Grande and Rio Conchos. This includes influencing key legislation that will ensure that water is valued and that good water management practices are not only put in place but are rewarded.

Five-year Objectives

The five protected areas of the 'Big Bend' region in Texas and Mexico are managed as a unified landscape to benefit wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
100,000ha of protected forest are declared in the Rio Conchos Basin.
Habitat restoration at two sites on the Rio Conchos results in improved water quantity and quality, thereby supporting healthier fish populations and establishing a model for future restoration efforts.
Water policy reforms are implemented that allocate water for ecological uses and reward good management practices.
Water conservation and stream-side management pilot projects demonstrate best practices for the future.
Water authorities and water users support restoration strategies that benefit the Rio Grande Basin.

Impacts and Successes

Х An Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Rio Conchos has been designed, launched and implemented.

Х The Trans Peco Water Trust has been established to acquire water rights to increase water flow through the Big Bend National Park.

Х The first transboundary project in the Big Bend region for salt cedar eradication has been established. This project will stimulate the five national parks in the region to work together in an integrated manner.

Х Agricultural demonstration sites in Mexico and the US are on track to demonstrate water efficiency techniques. These are already attracting government attention and funding.

Х Legislative changes in Mexico and New Mexico that strengthen water management and conservation are on track for 2006.

Х Securing US federal funds for the management and restoration activities in the US side are on track for 2006.

Links

www.wwf.org.mx/wwfmex
www.hsbc.com/hsbc/society

Rio Grande

Rob Shore
Freshwater Programme Officer

Phillip Leonard
Freshwater Programme Manager

Further information
For more detailed information on our work in Mexico, visit the WWF International website.

Find out more about WWF UK's work on freshwater ecosystems