Monarch Butterfly : Conservation

Angangueo, Mexico, is known as the headquarters for Monarch migration. This quaint village is known as the unofficial Capital of Mexican Monarch Country. The town is located four hours west of Mexico City in a valley surrounded by mountains with terraced farms and a large misty fir tree forest at 10,000 feet elevation, a natural protection for the Monarch's winter nesting grounds.
 

There are several butterfly refuges in this area but none quite as famous as the first and most prominent butterfly sanctuary, El Rosario Sanctuary. Angangueo is the nearest town to the sanctuary and it's people are dependent upon the tourism that the Monarch migration brings to the area. In fact, villagers have the utmost respect for the butterflies and go out of their way to educate visitors to respect them as well. It is not uncommon to see such phrases posted around town like: "Cuida a la mariposa! No la maltrates," (be careful with the butterflies! Don't mistreat them.) And "Guarda Silencio" (Guard the Silence). The feeling of local reverence for these delicate and beautiful creatures is unmistakable.
 

After a visit to the sanctuary you can understand the awe of the locals. It is indeed a euphoric experience to walk into a forest of Monarchs, their gentle fluttering surrounding you and soothing your spirit. The floor of the forest looks like an exotic Zapotec rug of constant moving colors, and yet the sound is as soft as winter's first gentle snow. You're almost afraid breathing too loud will disturb the peace and tranquility. Just then, as the clouds cover the sun, a whirl of activity will startle you as clouds of butterflies rush past leaving you breathless at the spectacle.
 

Mexican Conservation Week commemorated in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve with Firm Commitments by President Fox to Involve Other Federal Agencies in the Conservation of Protected Areas
 

On November 28th 2001, top Mexican political and environmental figures gathered in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve at Sierra Chincua to commemorate Mexican Conservation Week. Following the theme of ¨A New Vision for the Monarch Butterfly¨, the speakers emphasized the importance of protecting the overwintering habitat of the Monarch Butterfly while simultaneously improving the social and economic opportunities of the local communities. To this end, the speakers offered their renewed support of the conservation efforts currently being implemented in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Speaking to a crowd of more than 300 local community members, President Vicente Fox promised to support the conservation efforts in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. He publicly reaffirmed his commitment to both the conservation and the sustainable development of the region. He also promised to meet new conservation goals through the coordination of several federal agencies.
 

The event also included Mexican environmental officials such as the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Victor Lichtinger, the Director of the Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONAP), Ernesto Enkerlin, and the Attorney General for the Environment (PROFEPA), Jose Campillo. The Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, Victor Lichtinger, gave special recognition to the Packard Foundation for their support of the project. He also thanked the efforts of World Wildlife Fund (WWF-US) President, Kathryn Fuller for her contribution in creating the Monarch Butterfly Trust Fund. He also recognized Telmex Foundation for their donation of funds and equipment to PROFEPA to be used for the enforcement and vigilance of the Reserve. The contribution by the Telmex Foundation was the result of a WWF proposal that suggested such a collaboration. Minister Lichtinger also announced the imminent signing of the Fideicomiso Monarca and the subsequent conservation payments to the local communities that are scheduled for December 13th and 14th of this year.
 

Reference：

http://mexicolesstraveled.com/monarch.htm
        http://www.monarchwatch.org/conserve/fox.htm