In Situ Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity and Generation of Projects in Ejidos and Communities in Mexico

Agricultural biodiversity genetic resources are tied to social groups through ancestral uses, form part of traditional knowledge, and create a sense of belonging and identity. In Mexico, the "ejido" exists as a form of social property, defined as: "communal land on the outskirts of a settlement designated for services such as grain storage or livestock grazing." In this context, many genetic resources are found on these properties, which often show low levels of development. The signing of the Nagoya Protocol requires the characterization, distinction, and conservation of agricultural species and their wild relatives. For this reason, a methodology was designed for the in situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity, focusing on local agroecosystems, with special emphasis on the geographical areas of local and indigenous communities in Mexico. The methodological foundation includes engagement, awareness-raising, partnerships, resource inventories, and the creation of community-based social and bioprospecting projects to build value chains, with the involvement of higher education and research institutions. This strategy integrates sociocultural, economic, and biological variables that guide its operation and ensure the fair and equitable distribution of benefits to the cultural heirs reflected in each plant resource. It also aligns with Mexico's international conservation goals.