One genus of trees distributed in these ecosystems is Quercus, an important component of the canopy because, even after disturbances, it still has the capacity to provide environmental services, such as carbon sequestration, water provision, and biodiversity maintenance. Therefore, maintaining this genus in the forest can improve the ecological resilience of forests, which are increasingly affected by biotic threats associated with climate change, such as pests and wildfires.

Despite its importance, the propagation of the Quercus genus is limited by low hazelnut production, a lack of knowledge in germplasm collection and preservation, and difficulties in nursery production and field establishment. Therefore, this project seeks to promote the conservation of the Quercus genus in community forests in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, specifically in the upper part of the Atoyac-Salado River sub-basin. This area is relevant for the provision of environmental services for the urban area of Oaxaca City and neighboring municipalities. This area supplies almost 60% of the water used in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. To achieve this, workshops and talks will be held with community and ejido brigades distributed throughout the study area to prevent disturbances and strengthen knowledge about the genus.

Burned areas will be assessed to identify fire-resilient species and document the diversity of the genus and the spatial patterns of disturbance occurrence. Botanical samples and germplasm of the Quercus genus will be collected for identification and conservation; and a nursery will be established to conduct research on the propagation of seedlings of this genus and to disseminate its importance.