Mexico Strengthening Entrepreneurship in Productive Forest Landscapes Project

Land-use change in Mexico is a response to regional, national, and international market pressures for the extraction of timber products, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban and industrial development, and infrastructure projects (such as dams, roads, and highways). In the ISFL program area, key drivers of deforestation are agricultural expansion and livestock production, specifically cattle farming. 

Agriculture and livestock production (cattle)

• The General Law on Sustainable Forestry Development (LGDFS), through article 138 Bis, empowers the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to enter into international agreements on cooperative mechanisms to reduce emissions in the forestry sector. It also states that the results-based payments resources will be distributed according to a BSP prepared in a participatory manner within the framework of the respective project. 
• The General Law on Climate Change (LGCC) sets out a framework for the development of Mexico’s forest registry. 
• Mexico has instituted a series of incentive programs, including the Payment for Environmental Services Program supported by the World Bank. Since 2003, it has spearheaded the application of economic instruments for forest conservation and the promotion of sustainable forest management practices.
• The National Forestry Program (PRONAFOR) supports activities in the forestry sector to promote the sustainable use and conservation of forests. PRONAFOR’s strategies include promoting integrated landscape management, harmonizing and coordinating land policies and programs, and reducing GHG emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation. 

• Forests play a crucial role in achieving Mexico’s NDC target. Mexico’s updated NDC includes a target for zero deforestation by 2030. 
• Removals from the forestry sector represent around 26 percent of Mexico’s total emissions. According to Mexico’s third Biennial Update Report, the total emissions of the country in 2019 amounted to 736.62MtCO2e, while forests removals were 192.75.35 MtCO2e. Removals from the forest sector come from two main sources: forested land remaining as forested land and land converted to forest through afforestation and reforestation.