STRATEGY FOR THE RESCUE, CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE EXPLOITATION OF ORCHIDS (Orchidaceae) IN SOUTHEASTERN MÉXICO

Abstract

The Sierra Madre in the region of Soconusco, Chiapas, México, exemplifies the beauty, wealth of flora and fauna, and complexity of the mountainous mesophyll forests of México; traditional coffee plantations emerged from these and the orchids that still survive in these environments are now fragmented, deforested, eroded and impoverished in their diversity. After more than 15 years of research and community work in the region mentioned, an integral scientific strategy has been designed to address the urgent need for conservation and restoration of Orchidaceae, and its eco and agroecosystems in the region. The components of the strategy consist in scientific research about themes identified as priority and transversal activities, such as the Environmental Management Units (Unidades de Manejo Ambiental, UMAs), the live collection of orchids from Soconusco, restoration sites and rescue teams, the CaféOrquídea proposal, and environmental education. Advances in the application of this strategy are promising, with a particular interest in CaféOrquída, as a timely proposal for this coffee production zone in crisis.