2. Why was MoreThanMonarchs.org created?
3. I have seen logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, what can I do?
4. Why should someone write to their government official through MoreThanMonarchs.org?
5. Many months ago I wrote to a government official about the about illegal logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Can I add it to the website?
6. How can I read about what some of the local community members feel about the logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve?
7. I am a journalist doing a story on the Monarch Butterfly, how can I use MoreThanMonarchs.org?
8. How can this help local people if they do not have internet access?
9. Is this website affiliated with any government agency?
10. Is this website only about the bad things happening in the Monarch Butterfly region in Mexico?
11. I disagree with some of the things said on this website. What can I do?
1. What is the purpose of this website?
MoreThanMonarchs.org is a public forum created to share perspectives on forest conservation in the Monarch Butterfly region in Mexico, above all those points of view from the local communities.
This interactive website allows users to share, read, and discuss stories about the Monarch Butterfly region of Mexico. Users of this website can also send their own reports or concerns to Mexican officials. These messages are posted for viewing by the public. This site also offers a space for discussing the problems and solutions in the region.
2. Why was MoreThanMonarchs.org created?
By making the local communities’ opinions and perspectives more accessible to the public, this site can help foster a productive discussion that will bring policymakers closer to effective solutions.
3. I have seen logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, what can I do?
You can report a potential incident of illegal logging through Tell Your Story. Remember, not all timber extraction is necessarily illegal. Still, it is helpful to file reports of logging operations so that law enforcement agencies can do their job. You can also contact PROFEPA directly by phone at 1-800-PR0FEPA (-1800-770-3372), or file your report in person at: Camino al Ajusco no. 200, Col. Jardines en la Montaña, Delegación Magdalena Contreras C.P.14210, México, D.F. MEXICO.
4. Why should someone write to their government official through MoreThanMonarchs.org?
Communicating with public officials through MoreThanMonarchs.org gives your letter more weight. It does this in three different in ways. First, your concern is added to the many other individuals who share similar concerns. There is strength in numbers. Second, your communication is public and transparent, meaning that anyone with computer access can learn about what you are sharing with the Mexican government. Third, your letter will be permanently recorded for future consultation. These features help your communication gain more strength and influence since it is less likely that such a communication can be ignored.
5. Many months ago I wrote to a government official about the about illegal logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Can I add it to the website?
Yes. You can add your letter to the website by uploading it here. This way, your communication will be made public and transparent.
6. How can I read about what some of the local community members feel about the logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve?
You can read about what local people have been saying about the logging in the Letter Library.
7. I am a journalist doing a story on the Monarch Butterfly, how can I use MoreThanMonarchs.org?
MoreThanMonarch.org provides primary sources of information about the conservation efforts in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve that were previously not available to the public. Complete and unedited text versions of letters written by the rural communities can be downloaded in the Letter Library.
8. How can this help local people if they do not have internet access?
It is true that very few local people have access to computers and the internet. However internet use is growing, especially in larger towns such as Zitácuaro, Angangueo, Senguio and Valle de Bravo. Youth are disproportionately more connected to the internet in these towns.
It is understood that not everyone will have the opportunity to participate directly with this website. However at least the opportunity exists for them to participate. It is expected that close friends of the local farmers, such as non-profit groups, visitors or government officials may help them communicate their opinion onto this website.
9. Is Is this website affiliated with any government agency?
No. This website favors no political party in Mexico or abroad.
10. Is this website only about the bad things happening in the Monarch Butterfly region in Mexico?
No. Field reports in January of 2006 suggest that major illegal logging operations have recently decreased. To listen to a community member talking about this click here.
Moreover, the public is welcome to include other discussion topics about the positive things going on in the Reserve in the Discussion Board.
11. I disagree with some of the things said on this website. What can I do?
Add your thoughts and perspective to the Discussion Board. If there are any factual errors please contact the administrator by writing to us here.