Mexican Conservation of the Colorado River Delta
Gianluca Erculei – Undergraduate - UNR
In this project I delve into the Southwestern region of North America, specifically the Colorado River Delta in Mexico that feeds into the Sea of Cortez. In recent years the delta is turning more arid due to factors such as dam construction in the southwestern United States and climate change. As a result of less freshwater nourishing this area in Baja Mexico riparian vegetation and forests such as the cottonwood-willow have diminished and 53 species of migratory birds, including the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo that once called this place home during the winter. My project focuses on Mexican conservation research and practices in the Colorado River Delta. I examine how researchers and practitioners are working to create restoration projects along the southern portion of the river delta to bring back the flora and bird species. If these projects are successful they will slowly encourage the return of native species.
Flows of Power: Cartel Operations and Law Enforcement Adaptations Around the Rio Grande
Brian Fournier – Undergraduate - UNR
The United States southern border is known for its tense spatial and geopolitical environment. An important area of the southern border is the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector, in which federal governments from two countries as well as cartels operate in complex and intricate domains to promote their own unique agendas. The RGV Sector incorporates both freshwater ways and geopolitics, showcasing the relationship between the subjects and how political agendas and the governance of waterways impact both national security and daily lives. An increase in cartel operations along the southern border has resulted from the improvements in their business models for transporting narcotics, weapons, and people across the border, in turn necessitating law enforcement agencies and respective governments to adapt to the new challenges. From increased recruitment efforts of the United States Border Patrol to interconnected operations between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement, federal government agencies are attempting to maintain national security within the RGV sector, while also responding and adapting to the challenging geopolitical sphere that is our southern border. This paper focuses on law enforcement efforts within the RSV on the US’s southern border, paying attention specifically to the challenges presented by the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo River and how these government agencies are adapting to this waterway.
The Impact of Lake Mead’s Drought on Interstate Water Distribution
Kiana Hasek - Undergraduate - NSU
Lake Mead, located on the Colorado River, is the largest reservoir in the United States and a vital source of water for millions of people in Nevada, Arizona, California, and northern Mexico. The reservoir supports agriculture, urban development, and hydroelectric power generation throughout the American Southwest. However, a prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change has caused Lake Mead’s water levels to reach historic lows, raising serious concerns about long-term water security. Reduced inflows from the Colorado River, coupled with growing water demand from expanding populations, threaten the stability of existing water distribution agreements between states. These shortages reveal the vulnerability of interstate water allocation systems under increasing climate stress. This paper examines how Lake Mead’s declining water levels influence both the physical availability of water and the political negotiations that govern its distribution. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of water conservation policies, infrastructure investments in recycling and desalination, and strengthened collaborative agreements among states to ensure fair water sharing. Such adaptive measures are essential to balance human, agricultural, and ecological needs as the impacts of climate change intensify. The case of Lake Mead provides a critical example of how climate-driven droughts challenge water security in arid regions worldwide.
Giving Legal Personhood to the Whanganui River, New Zealand: What are the political and legal implications that come with this change?
Elle Van Wyngarden – Undergraduate - UNR
For many years, the Maori, New Zealand’s native peoples, have argued with the Crown of New Zealand about control over the Whanganui River. Maori want to protect the river because it possesses deep ancestral ties which makes the river part of the tribe’s identity; they are the river. Eventually, they reached an agreement with the Crown. Neither party was to have ownership of the Whanganui River and it would be declared a legal person. Since then, decisions for the river have been made by Te Pou Tupua, the two human representatives of the Whanganui. They do everything on behalf of the river and its well being, making sure not to infringe on any of its rights. One question raised by this situation is what does the Whanganui River being granted legal personhood imply for legal and political matters? This paper examines the case of the Whanganui River’s legal personhood, including how and why it came to be, as well as the implications of such a change.
