Sierra Chincua, Mexico, Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Sierra Chincua is part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. The place is located in the Transvolcanic Belt, close to the border between the States of Michoacán and Mexico. Every year, monarch butterflies from SE Canada and adjacent U.S.A congregate and spend the winter there (from the beginning of November until the end of March) after a surreal journey across North America. Monarch butterflies love the Oyamel (Abies religiosa) forests that grow in the area. In attempt to curb rampant illegal logging, the Mexican Government has inagurated in November 2010 a resort-like, cultural centre which is intended to “promote tourism and provide another source of income for the citizens of the area, while protecting the environmentâ€. Yet, a few days before our visit in December, the locals had to unite and stand against a large crew of armed, illegal loggers…
