Tropentag, September 10 - 12, 2025, Bonn "Reconciling land system changes with planetary health"

The role of nogs promoting nature based solutions in ranching landscapes of chiapas, Mexico

¹Fondo de Consrvación el Triunfo, Conservation and Sustainability Direction, Mexico
²Fondo de Conservación el Triunfo, Conservation and Sustainability Direction
³Fondo de Conservación el Triunfo, Conservation and Sustainability Direction

Abstract

The Coastal region of Chiapas, Mexico is undergoing rapid ecological and social transformation due to land-use change driven by extensive cattle ranching and commercial agriculture. This expansion has contributed to deforestation, soil degradation, water scarcity and biodiversity loss- threatening the long-term productivity and resilience of both ecosystems and rural livelihoods. In this context, Fondo de Conservación el Triunfo (FONCET, for its acronym in Spanish) supports the transition towards regenerative land management by working directly with ranching communities to co-develop and adopt agroecological practices that restore degraded landscapes while maintaining economic viability. As a study case, we will analyse the role the third sector plays in the adoption of nature-based solutions while recognising local knowledge in degraded ecosystems.

By introducing silvopastoral systems -integrating trees, forage, and livestock- ranchers can diversify production, improve pasture quality, enhance soil fertility, and increase carbon sequestration. These systems support landscape connectivity and contribute to climate resilience by reducing erosion, improving water retention, and providing habitat for native species.

Central to this initiative is the recognition and strengthening of local community knowledge. Ranches possess valuable experience and practical insight into the region's ecological rhythms, climatic patterns, and land dynamics. By engaging them as co-designers and decision-makers, the project may foster context appropriate innovations that reflect both ecological realities and local needs. This participatory approach ensures better adoption and long-term impact, building a shared vision for sustainable land use.

FONCET, as a local NGO, plays a catalytic role in the process by facilitating technical support, financial mechanisms, knowledge exchange and coordination among stakeholders. FONCET lead capacity building efforts through peer-to-peer learning and demonstration sites, while also bridging communication between ranchers, researchers and policy makers.

This collaboration may offer a model of climate-smart ranching that enhances social networks, landscape functionality, secures livelihoods, and contributes to broader goals of forest and biodiversity conservation in Chiapas. The integration of agroecological strategies into cattle production offers a promising pathway for reconciling economic development with environmental stewardship in one of Mexico's most ecologically sensitive regions.

Keywords: Climate change, climate-smart ranching, local community knowledge, México, nature-based solutions, non-governmental organisations

Contact Address: Adriana González González, Fondo de Consrvación el Triunfo, Conservation and Sustainability Direction, San cristobal #8, 29030 Tuxtla gutiérrez, Mexico, e-mail: agonzalezfondoeltriunfo.org