Natural resource Nanciyaga - LE ROCHER DES AIGLES

Nanciyaga

Travelogue in Nanciyaga project.
study trip to Mexico

In 1989, during a study trip to Mexico for the International raptor congress at Veracruz, Raphaël Arnaud stopped on the shores of Lake Catemaco. In the course of some meetings, a story gradually emerged of a Mexican veterinarian described as a ‘visionary’, who was reported to have sold his ranch and livestock to found an ecotourist centre in the forest. Following the footsteps of this enigmatic figure, Raphaël crossed the lake and docked on the banks of the Nanciyaga site.
Rocher des Aigles Rocamadour

The meeting between Raphaël Arnaud and Carlos Elias Rodriguez marked the beginning of a lasting friendship: Le Rocher des Aigles at Rocamadour and Nanciyaga in Mexico were now bound together. In 1997, 5 hectares of forest adjoining the Nanciyaga site were up for auction with the main buyers being tobacco growers and cattle producers. If the sale were to take place, the site would more than likely disappear. Caco called on his French friends for help, which led to Raphaël Arnaud and Dominique Maylin buying this plot of land. Nanciyaga was saved!
In the heart of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve

Nanciyaga is situated in the heart of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve. In this region, the tropical rainforest now only covers 10% of its original area. It is a mountainous area which reaches an altitude of 1,700m and stretches down to sea level, covering a total of 300,000 hectares. Here, there are 14 different types of vegetation, that is 1,300 plants identified and known to date. 130 mammal species, 566 bird species, 150 amphibians and reptiles, and 1,200 diurnal and nocturnal butterflies. This outstanding heritage remains vulnerable – the populations of each species are declining, threatened by the gradual disappearance of their natural environment.
Protecting biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity and creating local business thanks to ecotourism “Ecotourism is a business of the future which protects nature and the animal kingdom, and at the same time passes on the message of a different relationship with the environment and respect for Mother Earth, as well as helping the locals live with dignity.” CACO
Environmental protection

Discovering the surroundings with guides and raising awareness of environmental protection
Return to the Olmec springs

Return to the Olmec springs and Indian traditions: - ritual steam bath in the temazcal - clay bath - ritual ceremonies with the shamans - terracotta workshop reproducing Olmec sculptures
The commitment to protecting biodiversity

The commitment to protecting biodiversity is bearing fruit: after the reintroduction of howler monkeys, it is the turn of the Scarlet Macaws to return to their original biotope. A second release took place on 24 March, 2015.
Aigle et le Cactus

2013: Release of the film L’Aigle et le Cactus (The Eagle and the Cactus) directed by Jean-Roch Meslin and produced by Eliocom. “This film tells the story of a friendship born from a love of nature and extending into an astonishing project, to say the least. Between South-West France and Mexico, this process initiated by Raphaël Arnaud will transport us thousands of kilometres away, to another world almost, yet whose issues are very close to our own.”
Astounding travellers

“Astounding travellers! What histories we read in your eyes, deeper than the ocean there! Show us the treasures of your rich memories, marvellous jewels made of stars and air.” Charles Baudelaire