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Winners of the WHC Desert Project of the Year award

July 10, 2023

A major achievement in desert conservation


El Carmen Nature Reserve has been honored with the prestigious Desert Project of the Year award from the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) at their 2023 Conference. This award celebrates the natural reserve's innovative spirit in ecological care and is a landmark achievement for conserving one of North America's vital ecosystems.


A legacy to biodiversity conservation


Spanning over 130,000 hectares, making it larger than Los Angeles, El Carmen Nature Reserve stands as one of the most biodiverse areas in North America and one of the five great wilderness ecosystems worldwide. This reserve is a sanctuary for over 1,500 plant species and 450 animal species, showcasing the vibrant life that the desert sustains.


The return of the American Bison


Among the reserve's notable conservation successes is the reintroduction of nearly 100 American bison. This initiative has successfully brought these majestic creatures back to their natural habitat after over a century of absence. The bison's return symbolizes hope in nature's resilience when supported by dedicated conservation efforts.


El Carmen's conservation excellence recognized


The Desert Project Award from the WHC highlights our commitment to adaptive management, regular monitoring, and careful analysis of our efforts. This prestigious award is reserved for projects that set the bar higher, leading the way in effective conservation strategies for nurturing and safeguarding habitats. It recognizes El Carmen's dedication to setting a gold standard in environmental stewardship.


WHC: a pillar of global conservation


For 35 years, the WHC has been a driving force in promoting ecological stewardship on corporate lands through education and partnerships. With a focus on the critical role of private lands in conserving biodiversity, the WHC’s work with international corporations supports sustainable ecosystems worldwide, proving that conservation is collaborative across borders and industries.


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El Carmen is one of the most biodiverse areas in North America and one of the five great wilderness ecosystems in the world.

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