Wetland Conservation

Temporary Employment Programs train local residents wetland conservation:  For the third consecutive year Alter Terra has successfully solicited PET funding (temporary employment funding) from Mexico’s Federal Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).

The most recent effort employed 130 local residents in the Los Laureles Canyon over a four month period and resulted in the construction of two vegetated bio-filters manufactured using natural systems design principles. The bio-filters were constructed from 100% reclaimed materials (including 4,000 waste tires) for the purpose of sediment and trash flow reduction; thereby, reducing the volume of pathogens that contaminate the downstream estuary and coastal wetlands. The project also included: 1) planting 2,500 trees along 1,500 linear feet of stream corridor that drains into coastal wetlands; 2) the manufacture and installation of permeable concrete pavers along the stream corridor; 3) providing community-based environmental preservation and conservation training for residents of Colonia San Bernardo. While participating in the construction of bio-filters and the production of pervious pavers, local residents learned about environmental science issues and sustainable development practices which in turn empowered participants with the skills to build and maintain their own ecosystem-friendly projects.