Sweetwater Center, 1125 E Linden St, Tucson, AZ 85719, US

Sky Island Alliance hosted a workshop for 25 Univ. of Sonora students at conservation ranch El Aribabi designed to stimulate interest in the natural history of northeastern Sonora while providing volunteer opportunities for students' academic programs and contributing to MABA data collection efforts. Mountain Lions at El Aribabi, SonoraThe Assessment includes fieldwork by scientists from universities and research centers in the three indicated countries, as well as students and volunteers, who are determining in the context of climate change, the extent, diversity and relative health of various forms of wildlife and vegetation within this region. Bringing this information to the attention of ranchers, private landowners and residents living within the region, while communicating recommended conservation efforts to policy and administrative decision-makers, in both Mexico and in the US, is the "Outreach and Communication" assignment of the Washington Liaison Office, under contract to Sky Island AllianceIn addition to its basic scientific objectives, the Assessment provides a positive image of binational, cross-border cooperation as an alternative to the current headlines and emphasis on drug-related violence. It is an inclusive effort that welcomes the interest and involvement of those committed to the process of international cooperation to achieve a resilient and sustainable Sky Island Region, respectful of the interrelationship between humans and nature.