Sonoran Institute

The goal of the Desert Rivers Initiative is to protect and restore two desert rivers in the Sonoran Desert — the Colorado River delta and estuary and the Upper Santa Cruz River. Work will focus on ensuring that water continues to flow into these rivers, creating habitat that sustains a diversity of wildlife and provides community and economic benefits in the face of climate change. The Sonoran Institute will work to preserve and enhance river flows; ensure that water is used for the environment and community well-being; and build a broad base of support for river conservation and restoration in both the United States and Mexico.