Conservation of the Bahía Magdalena−Almejas Wetland Complex

Due to its extension, the Bahia Magdalena-Almejas Wetland Complex is the most important of the Baja California Peninsula. Its 210-kilometer long expanse encompasses more than 40 wetlands, small lagoons and tidal channels that shelter hundreds of resident and migratory species, including marine turtles, gray whales, waterfowl and shorebirds. It is also the wetland with the largest area of mangrove forest in the peninsula - 22,265 hectares - and the only one where shrimp fishing can be done regularly.

In 2010 Pronatura Nororeste, in collaboration with local and international organizations, developed a site conservation plan and established an alliance to promote its conservation. Proposed strategies include the protection of critical habitat, diagnosis of fisheries and ecological land management.

An essential component for the site conservation plan is the protection of the wetland’s adjacent coastline and lands by implementing legal conservation tools, such as ecological easements, land acquisition and ZOFEMAT concessions.

In 2010, Pronatura Noroeste protected 16.5 kilometers by means of ZOFEMAT concessions and acquired 168 hectares north of the lagoon complex, as a first step to achieve the protection goal of 30,000 hectares in key sites.