Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II: Summary of discussions during the concluding session
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The first Conference on Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago brought together scientists, managers, and other interested parties from the United States and Mexico to share their knowledge about the region and to identify the needs and possible solutions for the future. The 1994 conference ended with an open discussion among the participants. The conference in 2004 had a similar goal and also concluded with an open forum. Participants discussed past and present accomplishments and the need for increased partnerships, especially among parties in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, growing urban populations, and rural and American Indian communities. We recognized the gaps in our knowledge and major issues and opportunities for the future. All interested groups need to increase efforts to exchange information. Some of the major issues concerned the impacts of landscape fragmentation, management of water resources, and the role of fire in ecosystem management. Communications, cooperation, and technology transfers throughout the greater region should make the common goals of sustained biodiversity and ecosystem health more attainable in the Madrean Archipelago.