More than three decades ago, Martha “Pati” Ruiz Corzo left her career as a music teacher in Queretaro to move with her family to the Sierra Gorda, where she co-founded the Sierra Gorda Ecological Group (GESG) in 1987. This organization, for which she served as Federal Director until 2009, has been key to community-based environmental protection, achieving the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve designation in 1997, the only one in Mexico managed by a civil society group. Under her leadership, the GESG has promoted a comprehensive model of sustainable development, promoting regenerative practices, environmental education, micro-enterprises, community tourism, and compensation for environmental services, which has been replicated in other states. Martha Ruiz Corzo serves on international boards such as Forest Trends and Leaders pour la Paix, and has received multiple global honours, including awards from Ashoka, Rolex, National Geographic, UNEP and the UN, totalling more than 37 awards. Their work has made Sierra Gorda a living example of regional sustainability and local climate action.
