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| updated March 2008 Bienvenidos ... to the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (Reserva Biosfera El Cielo en ESPANOL) this site was created and is maintained by WildShare International |
El Cielo has been a United Nations recognized Biosphere Reserve since 1987. El Cielo received its designation in order to conserve the unique biodiversity of the region by integrating conservation plans through local communities living in the area. Approximately 40% of El Cielo is on ejido land, including all of the land along the Gomez Farias-Alta Cima-San José corridor. People within El Cielo are proud their land is rich in diversity and have a great love and understanding of the natural environment where they live; however living within a Biosphere Reserve has completely changed the way these communities live. Most importantly, all of the communities within El Cielo are ejidos, which are legally recognized communally managed areas. Residents in the communities of El Cielo are extremely proud to let you know this is their land. Tourists are required to follow community rules when on their land. In general, all ejidos require guides for any hiking off the main road or marked trails such as those found in Alta Cima. Please remember while enjoying El Cielo that YOU ARE THEIR GUESTS ENTRANCE FEES You will need to pay fees for entering the communities of Alta Cima and San José. See each community’s page for details. GUIDE FEES The prices you are being charged for guides is equivalent to what the people would make working (generally harvesting palm leaves from the forest) for a day if they were not taking you guiding. See each community’s page for details. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EL CIELO Smithsonian Institution- http://www.nmnh.si.edu/botany/projects/cpd/ma/ma9.htm State of Tamaulipas Website (in Spanish) http://elcielo.tamaulipas.gob.mx/default.htm |
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| We would like to thank the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden's chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers for funding the creation of this website. |