XVI International Botanical Congess

The watershed of La Mancha-El Llano has an impressive array of ecosystems and biodiversity. A community based management plan is being established. Its aim is to develop a model of interaction between academics, local people and government, based on the idea that people have to generate a good income while protecting or restoring the environment. We are using three strategies: 1) a committee of representatives of local people, government and academics to discuss environmental problems, conflicts in the use of resources, and to produce solutions, b) sustainable productive projects, include conservation/restoration activities, c) a land and resource planning process, discussed with each community sector. Each productive project will work on a specific ecosystem for which they are responsible. The beach is in the charge of the restaurant owners who are responsible for its care, protection of the flora and fauna, and providing information to visitors.