The Colorado River is one of the most important transboundary watersheds on the planet, as well as an essential source of life and social development for 40 million people. Its waters originate at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in the northern United States, flow more than 2,300 kilometers and reach the ocean in the Colorado River Delta. However, in the last century, this important river has seen its course reduced to only ten percent, due to semi-desert conditions, water scarcity, uncontrolled exploitation of the aquifer, and the proliferation of exotic and invasive plants.
This is why Pronatura Noroeste is working to reverse the damage to the Colorado River Delta ecosystem. The situation is also a threat to the fauna, as at least 10 endemic endangered species and 45 native species have been detected with some level of threat or danger of extinction. At the Miguel Alemán site in Baja California alone, six years ago there were only 23 bird species recorded. This was radically changed by Pronatura Noroeste’s restoration and reforestation efforts, as a forest of poplars and willows, was created by planting more than 100,000 native plants, thus modifying the environment and, with it, the conditions of drought and devastation. Currently, the Miguel Alemán site is the habitat of more than 122 species of birds.
This conservation effort has its origin in the 1944 Treaty, an international agreement between Mexico and the United States that establishes water management on the border. This document is updated through acts signed by both countries, such as Minute 319, which marked an unprecedented event for the Colorado River Delta, as with it a successful allocation of water for the environment was achieved in 2014. This process, called “Pulse Flow”, soon created great environmental and also social benefits, both in the Mexicali Valley and in the city of San Luis Rio Colorado.
Subsequently, in Minute 323, which was signed in 2017 and is valid for nine years, another water delivery was contemplated to benefit the environment, restoration projects and biological monitoring. This was carried out in 2021 for 164 days, to simulate regular spring and summer flows in the Colorado River. During this period, members of the Revive the Colorado River alliance including Pronatura Noroeste, conducted bird monitoring and daily measurement of water and vegetation flows, in order to verify the positive response of the Delta´s habitat.
Likewise, an essential benefit was achieved in two restoration sites implemented by the Revive the Colorado River alliance, and to the reconnection of the Upper Estuary with the Sea of Cortes as well.
As can be seen, environmental restoration is possible, thanks to the US-Mexico binational cooperation, the specialized work by Pronatura Noroeste, and the collaboration of thousands of volunteers. Undoubtedly, the success in the recovery of wildlife in the Colorado River Delta is an example that could be replicated in other regions of the country.
