The North of Mexico has vast extensions of land and a wide diversity of ecosystems. Some of the arid and desert landscapes in the region, though often perceived as barren, are rich in biodiversity and provide critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil stabilization. Despite their importance, arid zones are frequently overlooked by global carbon standards and restoration protocols, which tend to favor forests or wetlands. This neglect leaves vast desert and semi-desert regions vulnerable to degradation, desertification, and loss of native vegetation—all of which exacerbate climate change impacts and threaten local livelihoods. By recognizing the ecological value of these drylands, policies can begin to account for their carbon storage potential and the vital role they play in maintaining regional environmental balance.
In Coahuila, arid ecosystems dominate much of the landscape, and restoration and protection efforts can yield significant benefits. Rehabilitating degraded soils, conserving native flora, and promoting sustainable grazing practices can help capture carbon in both vegetation and soils while improving biodiversity and water infiltration.