Sky Island Alliance is a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the rich natural heritage of native species and habitats in the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
We work with volunteers, scientists, land owners, public officials, and government agencies to establish protected areas, restore healthy landscapes, and promote public appreciation of the region's unique biological diversity.
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Sierra Azul, Sonora
Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment
After months in development, the Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment project (MABA), under the scientific direction of Tom Van Devender is now launched! This multinational, Mexican, French and U.S. scientific research and conservation project will establish baseline data on various forms of wildlife and vegetation in select locations principally in the Mexican Sky Islands of northern Sonora and Chihuahua and in the borderlands of Arizona and New Mexico. The Assessment and integrated restoration actions will constitute a major conservation effort, with visibility and applicability that will reach around the globe. The Assessment is interdisciplinary in nature, acknowledging that successful land and wildlife conservation projects need to embrace the connections between scientific and applied research, natural resource policy formulation, and community education efforts. The Project and Sky Island Alliance staff will team with scientists, students, volunteers and community members to conduct assessment, education and outreach activities. > Read more
Introductory Video on the Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment
The video below was made to briefly introduce the Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment (MABA) project and summarize its objectives for the numerous entities it will involve. The assessment will serve to perform critical research on the vast array of life found in the Sky Island region and educate the public, via electronic media, about why it is such a vital ecological zone. Nature shots are taken along the Continental Divide between Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, and in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona.
MABA Principle Sponsors: The Veolia Environment Foundation and the Sky Island Alliance. Video footage courtesy of Cuenca Los Ojos Foundation. Script and narration: Sy Rotter; Videography: Ruben Ruiz; Still photos: Laurence De Bure; Post Production: Terence Babb Production facilities:DSP Media Productions.
Visit DSP Media for more programs about the Sky Island region. See DSP Media Productions.
MABA Overview from Terry Babb on Vimeo.