The International Boundary and Water Commission US and Mexican sections signed Minute 331 (see ibwc.gov for details) on November 7, 2024, which among other things officially established a Rio Grande Environment Working Group. The formation of the RGEWG is a direct result of RGJV partners’ combined efforts to engage with the agency on recommendations for binational environmental projects that would enhance the environment of the Rio Grande basin. This is a huge step forward signifying that on-going discussions will take place around ways to improve the Rio Grande mainstem environment through project work on riparian habitat, enhancement in tributaries to the Rio Grande, public outreach and other collaborative effort.
Prior to the signing of the Minute, two meetings were held of the Rio Grande Environment Work Group on May 30, 2024 and on November 15, 2024. Representatives from IBWC, CILA, and the Comisión Nacional de Agua were present along with members of the conservation sector.
These meetings served to:
- Draft a Workplan for 2024 that would form the basis for the 2025 Workplan and include a list of projects that partners would undertake under the auspices of the RGEWG;
- Formally establish the members of the group (see list below);
- Agree on a process by which projects would be proposed to IBWC/CILA;
- Create a Project Information Form that would provide the basis for a peer vetting process within the RGEWG.
Participating agencies include:
Government Institutions in Mexico and the United States:
- Mexican Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission
- National Water Commission (Mexico)
- Commission for Natural Protected Areas (Mexico)
- U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission
- National Park Service
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Non-Governmental Conservation Organizations:
- American Bird Conservancy
- Audubon Texas
- Rio Grande Joint Venture
- World Wildlife Fund
- Pronatura Noreste A. C.
- The Nature Conservancy
- Rio Grande International Studies Center