WWF, UNDP, and the governments of Nayarit and Jalisco are joining forces to strengthen intermunicipal governance aimed at protecting Mexico’s coastal ecosystems, with a focus on mangroves and territorial management.
On November 26, 2025, officials from Nayarit and Jalisco met in Mascota, Jalisco, to advance a collaborative framework for coastal protection. The initiative is part of the Raíces: Manglares para las comunidades y el clima project, led by WWF México in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The effort seeks to build resilience against climate change while safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities.
The program emphasizes intermunicipal coordination, recognizing that coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, estuaries, and beaches cross administrative boundaries and require joint management. By strengthening governance structures, municipalities can better align policies on land use, conservation, and sustainable development.
Authorities highlighted that mangroves are critical for mitigating climate impacts, serving as natural barriers against storms and flooding, while also supporting fisheries and local livelihoods. The collaboration includes training municipal officials, sharing best practices, and developing joint action plans to ensure that conservation strategies are consistent across both states.
WWF México and UNDP stressed that the initiative is not only about environmental protection but also about community empowerment. Local residents will be engaged in monitoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable tourism, and participating in decision-making processes.
The governments of Nayarit and Jalisco reaffirmed their commitment to long-term cooperation, noting that coastal protection is vital for both ecological stability and economic growth. Officials emphasized that this intermunicipal approach could serve as a model for other regions in Mexico facing similar challenges.
By combining international expertise with local governance, the partnership aims to ensure that Mexico’s Pacific coast remains resilient, biodiverse, and sustainable for future generations.
Sources: UNDP Mexico – Intermunicipal coordination initiative,
