Hermosillo has the potential to create the Río Sonora Green Corridor. To that end, three workshops will be held to discuss ways to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve water security, and strengthen the biodiversity of the region.
Hermosillo, a city with nearly a million inhabitants, faces severe environmental challenges. Air quality is poor, heat islands are increasingly common, and water stress threatens the city’s water supply.
In response, local civil society groups have proposed the creation of the Río Sonora Green Corridor, an ecological area. The goal is to improve the quality of life and bring environmental benefits to the region.
“Several local Civil Society Organizations―and others, such as Pronatura Noroeste, which has joined this effort―are working hard to restore the area,” said Karina López Ivich, General Director of Inspirando Acción para un Mundo Mejor and coordinator of the working group at La Sauceda, part of the organization Hermosillo ¿Cómo vamos?
“Right now, there’s potential, and many people are working, but we need to channel that work, we need to guide it; we must have an action plan, a critical path to identify not only the key players, but also the potential of each space. That’s where the idea of creating a Master Plan and parallel actions came from.”
A Situation Analysis for a Comprehensive Solution
To implement the Río Sonora Green Corridor, a master plan is being developed under the Open Standards methodology, which has been widely used for environmental management and habitat restoration projects.
The first step involved conducting a situational analysis of the natural areas along the Río Sonora riverbed, from the Natural Protected Area “Dam circuit Abelardo L. Rodríguez– El Molinito– La Sauceda” to the Los Jagüeyes Linear Park, including key sites such as Cerro de la Cementera, the Santa Gabriela Lagoons, and the Metropolitan Ecological Park.
López Ivich pointed out that the primary goal is to transform these areas into “green lungs” that help mitigate climate change, improve water security, and strengthen biodiversity.
Each proposed site and strategy will be reviewed in three workshops to develop the master plan.
This project also includes elements aimed at promoting economic investment and the creation of recreational spaces, such as:
Natural Protected Area Dam System Abelardo L. Rodríguez – El Molinito: This area will serve as a green belt to help control flooding, regulate temperature, and improve air quality. Regenerative agriculture will be promoted to ensure food security.
La Sauceda and Cerro Cementera: This area will be dedicated to recreation, featuring trails, sport fishing, birdwatching, and cultural activities.
Vado del Río: Its rehabilitation will include reforestation, the development of sports and cultural areas, as well as infrastructure to improve air quality and reduce heat islands.
Santa Gabriela Lagoons: These will act as temperature regulators and provide ideal sites for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Metropolitan Park and the Los Jagüeyes Natural Protected Area: These areas will be developed as spaces for social interaction, ecotourism, as well as gastronomic and commercial activities.
The Green Corridor aims not only to transform Hermosillo but also to serve as a model that can be replicated in other cities facing similar challenges.
The proposal includes strategies for environmental restoration, water harvesting, reforestation, and sustainable development, aiming to create a positive impact on the well-being of the population and the local economy.
Translated by: Mayela Navarrete & Airam Norzagaray
Reviewed and edited by: G. Rubio León
