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Project Title:
Strengthen reforestation programs.
Contact Person(s):
Oscar Mestas
Biol. Gerardo Tarin Torres
Victor Valenzuela
E-Mail Workgroup
Project Description:
The project will promote the active participation of businesses, social
organizations, and the general public, jointly and with the support of authorities,
to increase the green areas in Cd. Juarez, El Paso, and Sunland Park.
The project’s intent is to improve air quality by reducing the wind’s effect
on particulates from the soil and through the photosynthetic capture of
carbon dioxide (abating CO2, a gas which is an important component of the
greenhouse effect). It is estimated that Cd. Juarez has 5060 ha of open
space which is subjected to aeolian erosion. The project has a conservative
goal of covering 30% of this area in 5 years.
Cost / Cost Effectiveness:
Through the National Reforestation Program, SEMARNAP has provided a million seedlings
per year, primarily coniferous (pines, tujas and cypress) and deciduous
(Eucalyptus, trueno, casuarina, and mulberry) that are at the disposal
of the municipal government and individuals for planting and maintenance.
The planting of trees that are extremely effective at capturing CO2 should
be completed with the establishment of greenery or another type of vegetative
surface in order to avoid the entrainment of particulates. The selection
of surface material will be based on the quality of the soil and the availability
of water at each location, which will vary the cost. It is necessary for
the three communities in the air basin to conduct similar measures in order
to be able to enhance and appreciate the efficiency of the project.
The precision of the benefit/cost ratio requires further research, but
it is difficult to identify replaceable alternatives.
Significance of Impact:
Each hectare that is forested, pastured or covered with a hard surface, may
prevent emissions of approximately 2.93 tons of wind-carried particulates
per year. As such, if the goal to cover 300 ha is met, entrained PM
emissions reductions of 879 tons/year will be achieved.
Feasibility:
A million trees per year are available from SEMARNAP. Forestry Committee
of Cd. Juarez may be ideal forum for promoting commitments and conservation
of vegetated areas. The municipal authority can be an important factor
in determining the success of this project, through the following measures:
-Promote reforestation and vegetation of municipal lands;
-Require owners to reforest, vegetate or pave sidewalks and urban vacant lots;
-Verify the actual use of lands not urbanized in order to promote the surfacing
that is most compatible with their use.
-Establish stable surfacing (gravel, clay, chemical emulsions) in streets that cannot be paved.
-Penalize individuals who do not cover bare soils (even if it is with spontaneous vegetation
if it avoids transit)
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