CONANP Consulta Publica - CONANP is apart of the Mexican National Government that oversees their national parks, like the national park service in the states.

I was able to go to a public consulting workshop today for the management of El Triunfo (the biosphere reserve where I lived).  I met inspiring people from different organizations in Chiapas that each work in El Triunfo. During a break I had the chance to have an interview with the director of the reserve: Juan Carlos. 

Mexico integrates conservation and development so closely that its impossible to separate them like we do in the states.  I asked him " Why does CONANP help the people living in El Triunfo?" I told him that in the states that someone in his position would not care about the income of the coffee farmers, especially those that live within the park boundaries. His job is very similar to our national park service. His responses were so enlightening, and genuine about how interlinked conservation and development are, I was brought back to my faith in conservation.

It was very unique to be around non egotistical, non hierarchical people, that are working together for a common goal of conservation and development in El Triunfo. It was amazing to see. Such big organizations such as Conservation International were present and worked by my side during activities. I felt very special, privileged to be there. Maybe one day I can be apart of working within this uniquely complex field, that combines the heart and science, without ego.