Conservation: Southwest Borderlands

The border between Arizona and Mexico is a sensitive area ecologically, culturally and politically.

This region is the heart of one of the largest and most ecologically diverse wildlife corridors in all of North America. As climate change alters home ranges and migratory pathways for species such as jaguar, ocelot and Sonoran pronghorn, it becomes increasingly important to conserve large connected areas. This allows wildlife to adapt and survive.

Recent policies on border security include designs to build additional walls and grant authority to the Department of Homeland Security to waive bedrock environmental laws along the border. These policies present a threat to both border communities and wildlife. We can—and should—have both border security and environmental conservation.

The borderlands in Arizona are under threat from cross-border and border enforcement activities. A wall between the U.S. and Mexico would severely impact public lands and wildlife movement and harm communities in the region.

The Sky Island region and the low desert areas to the west are among of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the continent, home to more than 450 species. Additionally, more than 700 species of birds, mammals and insects migrate through this area every year. Dividing this area and further fragmenting this habitat would be devastating to species movement and survival. For instance, the northern jaguar migration route would be cut off if a border wall is built.

 

Besides the severe environmental impacts of a proposed border wall on our public lands and wildlife, there are also serious impacts to individuals, families and border communities to consider. Many indigenous people of the Southwest would be threatened by efforts to abolish environmental protections along the border between U.S. and Mexico. These social impacts should not be ignored.