At Pronatura Noroeste we promote the training and operational strengthening of advisory councils, for which we collaborate with the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and partners, with the aim of developing methodologies to evaluate and improve the functioning of the councils through self-evaluation, which allows for the identification of areas for improvement.

The participation of council members as representatives of the interests and needs of the community promotes greater involvement in and supports effective management of Natural Protected Areas. This evaluation was conducted in the following NPAs: the Balandra Flora and Fauna Protection Areas*, the Gulf of California Islands, the Cacaxtla Plateau, the Loreto Bay National Parks**, Cabo Pulmo*, Isabel Island, Espiritu Santo Archipelago*, San Lorenzo Archipelago, and  Bahía de los Ángeles, Canales de Ballenas and Salsipuedes, El Vizcaíno and Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserves.

The operation of the Bahia de los Angeles, Canales de Ballenas y Salsipuedes Biosphere Reserve Advisory Council is a success story since its functioning improved when it implemented some of the recommendations given in the first evaluation conducted in 2012.

In addition, the application of a series of measures and collective action strengthened their operation and demonstrated positive results in the second evaluation conducted in 2015.

When the advisory council represents sectors well and has involved advisors and leadership, consensus agreements are reached that are based on the best information and supported by the majority. Its proper functioning is essential to ensure compliance with regulations and to ensure the planned and executed activities are effective.

* In collaboration with Sociedad de Historia Natural Niparaja A.C.

** In collaboration with Eco-Alianza de Loreto A.C.