U.S. Man and the Biosphere Program
Big Bend transborder biosphere region
Working in the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem transformed how I understand both natural systems and human collaboration. As I hiked across the terrain that spans four regions—Texas, New Mexico, Chihuahua, and Coahuila—I witnessed firsthand how artificial borders mean nothing to wildlife, water cycles, and ecological processes. Yet these same borders create real challenges for the people trying to protect this remarkable landscape.
My role began simply as a volunteer with the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition but quickly evolved into something more meaningful. I found myself bridging conversations between UNESCO representatives, National Park Service rangers, Mexican environmental officials, and Indigenous knowledge keepers. Each group brought unique perspectives and wisdom to our shared goal of preserving this desert that receives so little attention compared to more charismatic ecosystems.
The work challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone. I remember standing beneath the vast desert sky translating concepts between English and Spanish while simultaneously translating between scientific jargon and community understanding. These weren't just language differences but fundamentally different ways of seeing the world. When an Indigenous elder spoke of the desert as a living entity with memory, and a government scientist described the same terrain through biodiversity metrics, I worked to help each see the value in the other's perspective.
Field assessments took us to remote areas where we documented changes in plant communities, monitored wildlife corridors, and assessed water resources. These weren't just data collection exercises but opportunities to build relationships across divides. Sharing meals cooked over campfires with colleagues from both sides of the border, I learned that conservation success depends as much on human connection as it does on scientific understanding.
Perhaps most rewarding was developing educational materials that made the desert's complexity accessible to communities who live within it but might not recognize its ecological significance. Watching a rancher's perspective shift after understanding how certain practices benefit both the land and their livelihood affirmed the power of thoughtful communication.
The challenges were significant—limited funding, political tensions, language barriers—but the shared commitment to this place created a resilience in our work that mirrored the desert itself. I came away with profound respect for those who dedicate their lives to conservation across boundaries, and with the conviction that effective environmental stewardship must honor both ecological science and human culture.
Project themes: Practical Collaboration, Field-Based Learning, Local-to-Global Connection