A proposal for the determination of a Protected Natural Area (PNA) of the Wirikuta zone in the state of San Luis Potosi, México

Abstract

The Wixárika route was declared by the Government of the State of San Luis Potosí with a first proposal for a polygon as a state reserve area on 27th of October, 2000, and in 2001 the category of Natural Sacred Site is awarded. Initially, this region had an original area of 138,750 ha. Subsequently, the Federal Government of Mexico, through the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), creates the “Preliminary Justification Study”, where a larger polygon is proposed, including the Sacred Natural Sites for the Wixárika within the reserve. On the 3rd of November 2012, a group formed by scientists and researchers discussed the study carried out, in which they argued that the limits of the Reserve should respond to natural criteria defined by the watersheds of the basins, rather than linear geometric criteria, thus protecting hydrogeological, eco-systematic and social dynamics. So it is proposed adding to the previous polygon the water area of the basin, which represented an increase of 65,437.41 ha to the previously recognized within the PNA, decreeing a total area of 256,946.32 ha, according to the basin limit. However, after analyzing the zone, it was observed that other important elements were not analyzed in-depth and must be considered, such as; physiological, hydrological and topographical elements, meteorological and climatological phenomena, hydrogeology of the area as an adequate element of the basin delimitation, establishment and location of mining concessions. Also, fauna, flora and vegetation of the area were not studied. Thus, an evaluation of the soil was considered recognizing its relationship with toxic elements that could persist in the area. Similarly, an attempt was contemplated, including economic and social elements of the place. Consequently, it was proposed to expand the polygon, covering a new area of 293,388.42 ha. This expansion included all the elements described.