In this episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Rick LoBello about ambitious conservation strategies along the U.S.-Mexico border. Rick shares insights into his life-long campaign to establish a transboundary protected area encompassing Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and several protected regions in Mexico. Despite the current political climate, Rick’s vision emphasizes the possibility of international cooperation in conservation efforts as a means to foster better cross-border relationships and protect vital ecosystems.

Throughout the episode, the conversation traverses a wide range of fascinating topics such as the historical context of the international park proposal and natural wonders of the Big Bend region. The dialogue also highlights the challenges and opportunities in bridging conservation efforts across borders, particularly considering the complex socio-political dynamics. Rick stresses the importance of collaborative frameworks, engaging with local communities, and leveraging relationships to advance conservation initiatives. He draws on past examples of successful cross-border collaborations and provides a roadmap for future actions.

Key Takeaways:


Transboundary Conservation Vision: Rick LoBello shares his initiative to promote a transboundary protected area involving U.S. and Mexican protected lands, aiming for improved environmental preservation and cultural cooperation.


The Role of Local Communities: Local Mexican communities like those in Boquillas del Carmen play a crucial role in conservation efforts, showcasing the importance of community engagement in international environmental initiatives.


Unique Biodiversity: The Big Bend region boasts a rich diversity of wildlife which includes black bears, desert bighorn sheep, and a wide range of plant life, underscoring its value as a conservation priority.


Successful Cross-Border Collaboration: Historical precedents suggest that meaningful, structured collaboration between countries can address mutual conservation challenges effectively, despite political headwinds.


Educational Outreach: Rick’s efforts to increase awareness of Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity through initiatives like the El Paso Wildlife Conservation Society and educational events highlight the critical need for public knowledge in conservation success.

Notable Quotes:


"I've made it a mission in my life to do all I can to help make [a transboundary protected area] a reality."


"People need to know each other and people need to trust each other if we're going to make progress."


"The black bear told us that the environment can heal, and there's hope for other species too."


"My main concern when it comes to development is that it be done in a way that's ecologically sensitive."


"If they know it and they love it, then they're going to want to protect it."

Resources:


Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition


El Paso Wildlife Conservation Society


Chihuahuan Desert Conference: Visit Chihuahua Desert Conference for details on upcoming events.

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to explore more about Rick LoBello's inspiring proposals for cross-border conservation, and to stay updated with upcoming episodes of "90 Miles from Needles" for more engaging cont

In this episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Rick LoBello about ambitious conservation strategies along the U.S.-Mexico border. Rick shares insights into his life-long campaign to establish a transboundary protected area encompassing Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and several protected regions in Mexico. Despite the current political climate, Rick&rsquo;s vision emphasizes the possibility of international cooperation in conservation efforts as a means to foster better cross-border relationships and protect vital ecosystems.
Throughout the episode, the conversation traverses a wide range of fascinating topics such as the historical context of the international park proposal and natural wonders of the Big Bend region. The dialogue also highlights the challenges and opportunities in bridging conservation efforts across borders, particularly considering the complex socio-political dynamics. Rick stresses the importance of collaborative frameworks, engaging with local communities, and leveraging relationships to advance conservation initiatives. He draws on past examples of successful cross-border collaborations and provides a roadmap for future actions.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Transboundary Conservation Vision: Rick LoBello shares his initiative to promote a transboundary protected area involving U.S. and Mexican protected lands, aiming for improved environmental preservation and cultural cooperation.
</li>
<li>
The Role of Local Communities: Local Mexican communities like those in Boquillas del Carmen play a crucial role in conservation efforts, showcasing the importance of community engagement in international environmental initiatives.
</li>
<li>
Unique Biodiversity: The Big Bend region boasts a rich diversity of wildlife which includes black bears, desert bighorn sheep, and a wide range of plant life, underscoring its value as a conservation priority.
</li>
<li>
Successful Cross-Border Collaboration: Historical precedents suggest that meaningful, structured collaboration between countries can address mutual conservation challenges effectively, despite political headwinds.
</li>
<li>
Educational Outreach: Rick&rsquo;s efforts to increase awareness of Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity through initiatives like the El Paso Wildlife Conservation Society and educational events highlight the critical need for public knowledge in conservation success.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"I've made it a mission in my life to do all I can to help make [a transboundary protected area] a reality."
</li>
<li>
"People need to know each other and people need to trust each other if we're going to make progress."
</li>
<li>
"The black bear told us that the environment can heal, and there's hope for other species too."
</li>
<li>
"My main concern when it comes to development is that it be done in a way that's ecologically sensitive."
</li>
<li>
"If they know it and they love it, then they're going to want to protect it."
</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://chihuahuandesert.org">Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://elpasowildlifeconservationsociety.com">El Paso Wildlife Conservation Society</a>
</li>
<li>
Chihuahuan Desert Conference: Visit <a href="https://chihuahuandesertconference.org">Chihuahua Desert Conference</a> for details on upcoming events.
</li>
</ul>
Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to explore more about Rick LoBello's inspiring proposals for cross-border conservation, and to stay updated with upcoming episodes of "90 Miles from Needles" for more engaging cont

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Vital info on protecting our irrepaceable deserts

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the inspiring vision of establishing a transboundary network of protected areas across the US-Mexico border with guest Rick LoBello, Education and Conservation Director at the El Paso Zoo. Chris and Rick discuss efforts to connect Big Bend National Park with neighboring protected areas in Texas, Chihuahua, and Coahuila, fostering cooperation for conservation amid challenging politics. Discover the fascinating wildlife, conservation challenges, and potential benefits of this ambitious cross-border collaboration, while highlighting the unique community bonds in the Chihuahuan Desert region.