Mesquite project: Tec alum rewarded for community work in 3 countries

Zinnia González, who holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from Tec de Monterrey, has been recognized by the Embassy of Mexico in the United Kingdom for her Mesquite project, which works with vulnerable communities in Mexico, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Doctor González, currently a research professor at the University of Nottingham, was given the ‘Distinguished Mexicans Abroad’ award.

“This award is in recognition of our constant work in favor of the environment and marginalized indigenous and rural communities in our country”, she explained.

“It recognizes everyone who, in one way or another, has contributed to our work: not just academics, but also members of the communities involved who have shared their experiences and needs with us.”

During an interview with CONECTA, Zinnia González told us that this award is an opportunity to thank her family and to motivate new generations of researchers.

“This is an opportunity to forge new generations of scientists and researchers and others who want to make a positive change to reduce poverty and take care of the environment,” she said.

She explained that this recognition is given to Mexicans who have lived abroad continuously for more than five years and who have proven to be leaders in activities that help improve the country’s image.

“This recognition was given for the variety of work we do in the semi-desert regions of Mexico and other parts of the world.”

“The award is in recognition of our constant work in favor of the environment and marginalized indigenous and rural communities in our country.”

The Mesquite project: empowering vulnerable communities

Dr. Zinnia and other researchers have worked on the Mesquite project since 2018. This project’s goal is to use mesquite to improve the well-being of marginalized communities in arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico, Kenya, and Tanzania.

In Mexico, the goal is to motivate communities to make sustainable use of mesquite by promoting the reforestation of areas where it used to grow.

“In our work, we have focused on understanding and studying semi-desert resources and how they can offer alternative solutions to these marginalized communities,” she added.

She pointed out that the goal is to help the inhabitants of these communities solve their local problems so that they do not have to leave their home regions in search of a better life.

“We teach them to recognize the importance of teamwork, promote gender equity and help them get ahead by coming up with solutions to the problems of poverty, gender equality, and the lack of clean water,” she remarked.

Working with communities

- México:

• San Juan de Guadalupe, Durango
• Estación Doctor, Sonora
• El Fuerte and Choix, Sinaloa

- Kenya (Baringo County):

• Il Chamus
• Tugen

- Tanzania:

• Lang’ata Bora, in the Nwanga district

She explained that the goal is to make communities self-sufficient and have them make proper use of their resources.

Finally, she thanked the institutions where she studied because these types of projects would not be possible without a solid educational background.

“I would like to thank my alma mater, Tecnológico de Monterrey, because I believe that the vision it instilled in me has helped me consolidate my desire to serve these communities and others. I would also like to thank Autonomous University of Nuevo León,” she concluded.

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