Governor Salomón Jara Cruz inaugurated the third annual Oaxaca Bird Festival 2025, “Flying to Conservation,” a space for outreach, environmental education, and recognition of the Nandaa Ñu’u community birdwatching and monitoring network, which in Mixtec means “those who care for the land.”
In the presence of the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, the Governor highlighted the work of this group, which protects and defends the state’s natural wealth every day. Of the nearly 1,136 bird species registered in Mexico, 754 inhabit or migrate through Oaxaca.
“Their work, carried out with commitment and deep roots, is one of the pillars of conservation in the state. We recognize their voice, knowledge, and daily dedication. May this edition serve as a reminder that conservation is not just a technical task, but an act of ethical responsibility toward future generations,” he stated.
During the meeting held at the Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center (CCCO), Jara Cruz acknowledged that, in coordination with the Mexican government, environmental policy is being strengthened to address the causes of habitat loss, pressure on territories, and the effects of climate change.
In this context, he also presented awards to eight representatives of birdwatching and monitoring groups from the Central Valleys, Sierra de Juárez, Papaloapan Basin, and Coastal regions. He also awarded certificates to the winners of the children’s drawing and photography contest.
For his part, Bárcena Ibarra emphasized that this festival, which began in 2023, showcases the natural wealth of Oaxaca and the responsibility of working together with the community to protect the environment.
“I want to recognize Governor Salomón Jara for his unwavering commitment to the state. His ‘Oaxacan Spring’ is an inspiration for the entire country; a humanistic environmental policy means working with the people,” he said.
The head of the Secretariat of Environment, Biodiversity, Energy, and Sustainability, Karime Unda Harp, emphasized that this activity, through contests, workshops, presentations, and birdwatching, fosters a connection between humans and nature. “This heritage is not only a source of pride, but also a constant call to action. Conservation isn’t decreed from behind a desk; it’s woven together by the community.”
Representing the bird conservation communities, Yuridia Salinas Lara, a community monitor from Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, expressed her pride in being part of this sector, because she now recognizes that each species is unique and has its own story.
Source: oaxaca.gob
