Héctor Gómez – a role model for #NatureForAll
A professional biologist with a masters in terrestrial ecosystems, Héctor Gómez coordinates field activities for the cycad conservation project at the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas in southern Mexico.
This project has a very interesting focus on involving local inhabitants in the conservation of these ancient plants of great biological importance. These inhabitants are located on communal land called ejidos and each communal land occupant decides how to grow on his or her territory. This is where the project is involved in paying for environmental services to protect cycads.
Growers gain by having resources that enable them to improve their livelihood, and everybody wins by protecting the habitat and the populations of three cycad species: Ceratozamia norstogii in the Flor de Chiapas ejido or communal land and Ceratozamia alvarezii and a new species to be confirmed in the Valle de Corzo ejido or communal land.
Growers also receive training on the importance of cycads and how to help spread these ancient plants in the field and in nurseries to help the species there to recover. Two of the species are endemic and one could be a new scientific species. The work along with activities in the field raise awareness of conserving the natural elements that each communal land or ejido contains.
The work of Héctor is a clear role model for #NatureForAll, a global movement whose mission is to inspire love for nature.