Fondo Oaxaqueño para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza

Fondo Oaxaqueño para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza.

Areas of Work: Ecosystem and biodiversity conservation – Sustainable fishing and traditional practices – Nature tourism and community ecotourism – Environmental education and community strengthening – Community resilience and contingency planning for extreme climate events.

Quantitative Data: During 2024, more than 500 people have been direct beneficiaries of the Fund’s activities. More than 40 training processes have been carried out, including workshops, courses, and diplomas, aimed at strengthening capacities in key areas such as environmental conservation, professionalization of the community tourism sector, and responsible fishing. These actions have had a concrete impact on at least 12 communities, 6 municipalities, and more than 25 local initiatives.

Regarding local economic development, the Fund has provided technical accompaniment and support to 15 small and micro community enterprises dedicated to ecotourism and fishing. These efforts seek to strengthen sustainable production models that generate income without risking the ecosystems.

Thanks to the trust of national and international allies, more than 7 million Mexican pesos have been managed in 2024 in funds allocated to community projects. This financing has made it possible not only to strengthen human capacities but also to implement sustainable land management practices.

Currently, more than 245 hectares are under conservation practices and responsible use of natural resources. Among them, 105 hectares are dedicated to sustainable agriculture, such as community coffee production. 140 hectares are under forest management and ecological restoration, including: 3 hectares of reforested mangrove, 122 hectares under community forest conservation and management, and 15 hectares reforested with native species of low deciduous forest.

Services Offered: Through the tour operator Costa Magia, which brings together 12 community ecotourism enterprises on the coast of Oaxaca, along with other independent local groups, authentic and sustainable tourist experiences are offered, directly managed by the communities.

Nautical activities: boat rides, sighting of marine wildlife such as whales, birds, and dolphins, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing. Local accommodation: in inns, ecological cabins, hostels, camping, and glamping areas. Gastronomic experiences: culinary routes, tastings, and traditional cuisine. Ecotourism and nature: hiking, birdwatching, sea turtle camps, equestrian routes, rafting, visits to natural areas. Handicrafts and local products: direct sale of honey, coffee, cheese, mezcal, and regional handicrafts.

Every experience promotes environmental conservation and the well-being of the host communities.