Biodiversity Beyond Borders Podcast: Conservation in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands

Across deserts, rivers, and grasslands, the U.S.–Mexico borderlands are home to an extraordinary web of life — from pollinators that sustain tequila-producing agaves to elusive jaguars roaming between nations.

In this podcast episode, alumni Michelle Maria Early Capístran and partners delve into the complexities of biodiversity and conservation in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, highlighting the region's rich ecosystems and the challenges posed by geopolitical divisions. Experts discuss the importance of community resilience, the role of local populations in conservation efforts, and the need for inclusive strategies that address both ecological and social issues. The dialogue also touches on funding disparities, grassroots approaches, and the interconnectedness of human rights and wildlife conservation, ultimately fostering a hopeful vision for the future of the borderlands.

The panel was held February 4th, 2025 at the Mexican Consulate in Nogales, AZ during Smith Fellows winter professional development retreat.

Participants

Michelle María Early Capistrán, Smith Alumni and Stanford University Fellow (moderator);Ben Wilder, N-Gen; Eamon Harrity, Sky Island Alliance; Juan Carlos Bravo, Wildlands Network; Rodrigo Sierra-Corona, Borderlands Restoration Network.