The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Jornada
General Description
Jornada Biosphere Reserve is
one of three biosphere reserves representing the Chihuahuan Desert (among Big
Bend Biosphere Reserve in western Texas and Mapimí Biosphere Reserve in Mexico).
The area extends from the crest of the San Andres Mountains, which are dominated
by shrub woodlands, to the Jornada Plains characterized by semi-desert
grasslands.
All three biosphere reserves in the Chihuahuan Desert are located in areas
traditionally dominated by a livestock raising economy. Today, they face a
variety of resource management issues relating to the sustainable development in
desert ecosystems. Problems are associated with grazing of livestock, air
pollution, and water quality, poaching of plants and animals, and loss of
habitats.
Jornada Biosphere Reserve, while in a rural area, is becoming more and more
influenced by the urban economies of Las Cruces (New Mexico) and El Paso
(Texas). It focuses on long-term experimental research directed toward range
management and maintenance of healthy desert ecosystems.
In nominating three biosphere reserves in the Chihuahuan Desert it was expected
that cooperation would develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage the
ecosystems of the Chihuahuan Desert for conservation and sustainable economic
uses. Today, mainly research and environmental education projects characterize
this cooperation.
Last updated: 06/27/2005