Sky Islands-Gila Headwaters Collaborative
United for a Resilient Future: Conservation and Climate Adaptation in the Sky Islands-Gila Headwaters Region
Project Overview
The University of Arizona (UArizona) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) are partnering to design a Sky Islands–Gila Headwaters Collaborative. For 2023-2024, our agenda includes meetings and workshops aimed at assessing community and ecosystem resilience to the stressors of changing land use and species loss in the face of ongoing ecological disturbance and climate change.
Our project is where collaboration, physical and social science, conservation, climate adaptation, research, education, and access converge. We will work closely with Indigenous communities, local communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, conservation and community-based experts, land managers, and people from historically underrepresented groups.
We will focus on developing practical conservation strategies that enhance community and ecosystem adaptation and resilience due to climate change. These strategies aim to address land use, ecosystem changes, and species loss, ensuring beneficial outcomes for affected communities and ecosystems.
About the Sky Islands Bioregion
The Sky Islands bioregion, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, spanning northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S., encompasses 55 unique mountain ranges, grasslands, riparian areas, and deserts. Each mountain range, or 'island,' stands tall, with some peaks surpassing 10,000 feet, amidst a 'sea' of contrasting lower-elevation landscapes. These elevated havens are vital for migrating birds and mammals, providing essential habitats. The interconnected streams and rivers support both plant and animal life.
Understanding the Changing Environment
The Sky Islands and Gila Headwaters are facing unprecedented changes due to:
- Climate Change and Habitat Shifts: Climate change is causing plants and animals to relocate, notably in higher elevations
- Increasing Wildfires: These are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity
- Disappearance of Plants: Extreme heat and prolonged droughts contribute to widespread plant mortality
- Invasive Species: New species alter the dynamics of the native ecosystem
Understanding the Impact: The Importance of Studying Climate Change Effects on Habitats and Communities
- By studying these changes, we gain insights into risks and develop innovative approaches to benefit the natural world and the communities that depend on it.
- Communities in these regions are at the forefront of climate change impacts. Working together to develop and implement collaborative conservation strategies that address these challenges and support social and economic resilience is essential.
For more information, visit our website at skyislands-gilalab.org or contact us here.
