San Crisanto Foundation: Leading the Way in Mangrove Restoration and Community Empowerment
San Crisanto stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how local communities can lead the way in restoring mangrove ecosystems and fostering sustainable development. They have done this through rediscovering a profound bond and appreciation for Mother Nature, one that can actively participate in the emerging economy focused on SOCIAL-NATURE RESTORATION.
Introduction to the Realms to Watch Program:
The ‘Realms to Watch’ program by Guardians of Earth is a ground-breaking initiative designed to support community-led regenerative projects delivering science based approaches integrated with local/traditional knowledge systems.
Guardians of Earth’s mission — connecting people to nature through ethical technology — is fuelled by an appreciation of the fundamental value of cultural and emotional connections. How can we protect nature if we don’t first recognise our LOVE for nature?
The San Crisanto Foundation Realm, Mexico, is one of the seven exceptional Nature Realms chosen for this program, exemplifying the power of community-led conservation and restoration.
Guardians of Earth and San Crisanto Foundation are partnering with Riviera Maya Sostenible to maximise the positive impact we can create together.
You can learn more about the ‘Realms to Watch’ program in our original post.
Introduction to San Crisanto’s Realm:
The San Crisanto Foundation, located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, has pioneered innovative solutions for mangrove reforestation and flood prevention. Since its establishment as an ejido (communally owned territory in a community in Yucatan) in 1974 and its transition to a foundation in 2001, San Crisanto has been a model of sustainable development.
Below Beatriz Barreal Danel, Founder of Riviera Maya Sostenible, shares San Crisanto’s journey, and how the ‘Realms to Watch’ program can help them deliver positive impact for land and community.
What makes San Crisanto Foundation’s Realm special?
San Crisanto’s journey began with a major flood that devastated large areas of mangroves. The community’s response was to restore 1,020 hectares of mangroves as natural buffer against future floods. This restoration effort not only protected the community but also revitalised local connected and healthy ecosystems, increasing resilience in the face of climate change — simultaneously incorporating a remarkable reassessment of social resilience, cooperation, and unity in order to become stronger collectively. Today, San Crisanto offers community education, awareness workshops, guided tourist tours while being recognized globally for their global leadership on voluntary blue carbon market initiatives.
What do you plan to fund with investment in your Realm?
Investments into San Crisanto’s Realm will fund several critical projects:
- Expand the activities for conservation and restoration and the community inclusion, increasing young population involvement — to give them a purpose
- Expand the geographical area of impact
- Potentially, increase the cultivating of “Arthemia Rosada” in the saline area, to foster food for Flamingos and other species
- Create a system of environmental education for visitors
How will these projects benefit the land and community of the Realm?
These projects will enhance the community’s awareness and engagement with their environment, improve the quality of tourist experiences, and involve more young people in regenerative efforts.
However, it’s not simply about awareness and engagement but also about aligning the incentives for capital and community to create a truly regenerative culture. The ‘Realms To Watch’ program’s innovative approach treats contributing communities as co-investors, with their own shares, so that they are motivated to enhance ecological value for everyone’s benefit. Additionally, the land itself is also treated as a co-investor, always holding 51% of the Realm’s shares. This symbolises the intrinsic value of the land and its crucial role in sustaining life and prosperity. The land, in effect, is an investor in us.
What’s your vision?
The long-term vision for San Crisanto is to become a global model for indigenous-led conservation and restoration. By involving communities in scientific activities and emphasising the sacred relationship with nature, San Crisanto aims to inspire a new relationship for humankind at large with Mother Earth.
You Can Get Involved:
Guardians of Earth is sharing this exclusive investment opportunity with our network of influential and values-driven impact investors. There are many ways that you too can be a part of this transformative movement to regenerate our planet and empower communities.
- Follow the Journey: Explore the remarkable stories of each Realm in our “Realms to Watch” series and witness the profound impact of community-led regenerative projects. Follow this blog, or visit our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
- Apply for the Next Round: The 7 Realms to Watch are the first of many to come. Are you a leader of a regenerative community that deserves to be in the next round?
- Stay Connected: Sign up for our Guardians of Earth (GoE) newsletter to receive the latest updates on the “Realms to Watch” program and other pioneering regenerative initiatives.
- Join the Community: Introduce yourself on the GoE Discord and actively contribute to the discussions that shape this journey.
- Contact Us Directly: Reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss an opportunity.
- Visit Our Website: Visit the Guardians of Earth (GoE) website to learn about the platform that makes this possible.
Act now to support community-led efforts that are revitalising our planet and its communities. Your involvement can drive significant change. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.
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