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MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Feb. 12, 2024 – Ducks Unlimited de México, a vital component in the continental conservation of North American wetlands, this year is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in March 1974.

Part of the wetlands conservation trifecta of Ducks Unlimited Inc. and Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ducks Unlimited de México (DUMAC) was established out of concern about the state of wintering habitats for migratory birds.

For the last 50 years, DUMAC’s science-driven mission to restore and protect Mexico’s waterfowl habitat has resulted in landscape-level achievements: more than 2.1 million acres of wetlands, including beautiful mangroves, have been conserved since 1974. In 2023 alone, DUMAC’s staff and volunteers have conserved 22,170 acres of freshwater wetlands and protected 25,319 acres of seagrass habitats.

“Our focus continues to be on both traditional and non-traditional methods of conservation,” said DUMAC President Bill Ansell. “Like our Ducks Unlimited sister organizations to the north, we are reclaiming thousands of acres of natural habitat lost to human development and climate change. Through agreements with state and federal governments, we are protecting and preserving much of the natural landscapes and marshes that still exist.”

DU supporters are invited to attend a 50th anniversary event Aug. 21 to 25 at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Get details and sign-up at http://www.ducks.org/dumac.

Wildlife and people

Ducks Unlimited de México’s work to restore and protect wetlands is focused on four priority regions that are home to 84% of the migratory and resident waterfowl distributed in Mexico. DUMAC National Executive Director and CEO Eduardo Carrera said this conservation benefits more than wildlife.

“Clean water is crucial to waterfowl and local residents,” Carrera said. “We’ve installed infrastructure, including treatment plants and on-site village dry toilet systems to manage domestic wastewater for 5,596 people. This reduces the strain on our wetlands, allowing them to filter water more easily for animals and villagers.”

Science driven

An innovative tool in DUMAC’s conservation effort is training others to improve habitats. The international RESERVA program is an intensive training course in Natural Resources Management and Conservation established in 1989. RESERVA is aimed at improving the professional capabilities of those who are responsible for the management and conservation of natural resources in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

“So far we’re proud to have trained nearly 700 professionals from 220 organizations from 22 countries,” Carrera said.

From the Gulf of Mexico through the Northern Highlands and to the North Pacific, DUMAC takes a scientific approach to habitat protection and restoration. Keeping these wintering grounds productive ensures waterfowl and migratory birds have the resources they need to migrate north each spring for breeding.

Ducks Unlimited de México also is an integral part of DU’s historic $3 billion fundraising campaign, Conservation For a Continent. Learn more about DUMAC, and how you can support vital North American conservation, at www.ducks.org/DUMAC.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continentcapital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.