Mexican rockers and the University of Twente collaborate to protect Mexican forest23 November 2012 |
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For the first time ever, the University of Twente, a Mexican rock band and a Mexican university have collaborated to save a forest! Arturo Balderas Torres is responsible for bringing the three together. He is performing PhD research at the University of Twente under the supervision of Jon Lovett. A huge effort is being made to mitigate the consequences of climate change, preserve biodiversity and promote nature conservation and rural development in La Primavera Forest. Balderas Torres is focusing his research on the role that market mechanisms play in the protection of the forest. The PhD ceremony was held on 21 November.
Nature under pressure due to devastating fire and agricultural practices ‘Biodiversity is under pressure in Mexico's La Primavera Forest. Moreover, new land use patterns are causing the ecological corridors between forested areas to become isolated. La Primavera Forest was partially devastated by a fire in 2012. The collaboration between the universities and the rock band ensures the project has the support and attention it needs. The researchers cooperate with the local population and landowners to help them to promote the forest cause. They focus specifically on the preservation of biodiversity and the prevention of the negative effects of climate change. This cooperation delivers direct benefits to the area’s inhabitants and hopefully will encourage them to protect their environment instead of only seeking profit from it.’
While the two universities (ITESO University in Mexico and the University of Twente) mainly concentrate on forest preservation and recuperation, the Mexican rock band Maná engages directly with the stakeholders such as landowners and the local population, particularly where it concerns changing local policy. On tour for the environment “With the help of Maná and the Selva Negra Ecologic Foundation, founded by Maná in 1995, the research has been put into practice much quicker than expected. For example, the band calculated the costs to the environment caused by carbon dioxide emissions during their tour. The band is donating some £0.5 million to compensate for these emissions. The money will be used to help a community in the vicinity of La Primavera Forest, in particular with forest preservation, replanting and community activities. This is a great conservation initiative based on the principal of Think Global, Act Local.” More information Arturo Balderas-Torres performed his PhD research at the University of Twente’s IGS research institute under the supervision of Prof. J. Lovett. The thesis is available on request. The PhD ceremony took place on 21 November at 16.30 in the Waaier building, Prof. dr. G. Berkhoff-zaal, University of Twente, Enschede.
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