My Journey From Humble Beginnings in Mexico City to an Awarded Biologist and Conservationist Is a Testament to Hard Work and Passion for Nature

By Francisco Abarca, International and Borderlands Program Manager at the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Many people may be surprised to learn that my love for nature and wildlife comes from spending time as a child in the Chapultepec Park, the largest urban park in Mexico City. Covering over 1,695 acres, this beautiful park—twice the size of Central Park in New York—was just a block away from my home.

The “Bosque de Chapultepec” is actually the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America, boasting a zoo, nine museums, and a National Auditorium. Growing up with this magnificent outdoor space as my playground not only provided me with a venue for play and sports but also enabled me to learn about various animals and engage with them. This early connection and exposure with the outdoors and diverse species within the park sparked my life-long passion for wildlife and conservation, setting me on the path to pursue a degree in this field.

I originally wanted to become a marine biologist. Like many others in my generation, I admired and aspired to be like Jacques Cousteau, a pioneering French marine biologist, oceanographer, and conservationist. One of the most beautiful and inspiring experiences of my life was meeting him and shaking hands with him during a conference in Mexico City.

Although I did not pursue a career in marine biology as I initially intended, I did complete my bachelor's degree and first master's degree in biology and zoology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. However, I yearned for more challenges.

As the famous tennis player Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. said, 'To become the best, you must play against the best.' I knew that the best programs in my field were in the United States, so I started applying for another master's program in endangered species, and ended up at Arizona State University, where I also pursued a PhD.

I didn't complete my doctorate, though, because I couldn’t pass on an amazing opportunity that came my way in 1990: a position as the Native Fish Program Manager with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. I love fish, aquatic insects, and migratory birds related to wetlands and other types of water ecosystems, so this was a dream job.

At that time, there were few jobs available for wildlife biologists, so I faced tough competition. Moreover, as an international graduate student, obtaining a working visa was a significant hurdle. Thankfully, the agency believed in me and sponsored my working visa, which paved the way for me to become a U.S. resident and later a proud American citizen.

I have worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department for over thirty years and am currently the International and Borderlands Program Manager. I collaborate closely with organizations and government agencies in Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. on binational or tri-national wildlife and wetlands projects.

Wildlife knows no boundaries, whether they be international or political. Arizona's connection to Mexico, neighboring U.S. states, and even Canada is profound due to the shared species and ecosystems, which are sustained by the migratory patterns of various bird species. With Mexico, Arizona shares the vast Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, along with numerous endangered species that are crucial for both countries, such as the Mexican wolf, the Sonoran Pronghorn, bald eagle, and black-tailed prairie dogs. This shared responsibility in wildlife conservation unites us in collective action for the preservation of these species and ecosystems.

Working in conservation and in this particular role has been very rewarding. Throughout my career, I have received the “Wildlife Without Borders Award” from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Employee of the Month, Directors Meritorious Citation, a special recognition by SEMARANAT for the “Conservation of Wetlands of Mexico” and the National Wetland Conservation Award from the United States of America. During the administration of President Obama, I served as a technical advisor for the “Good Neighbor Environmental Program,” whose mission was to advise the President and Congress of the United States on environmental issues throughout the United States border with Mexico.

While these recognitions have been fulfilling, what truly drives me is my deep love for nature and anything related to water, my commitment to protecting and conserving wildlife, and the environment, and the opportunity to work with like-minded people who share that same passion and concern about the future of our planet.

We are all currently experiencing the harmful impacts of climate change. In Arizona, heat waves have become more frequent and more intense. Each of us can play a role in protecting the environment by making changes in our daily lives, such as conserving water, reducing waste, and cutting energy consumption.

It's crucial for everyone to participate in conservation efforts and contribute to the preservation of nature, including the recovery of endangered species that are unique to our planet. When a species disappears, we lose valuable information and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.

You can get involved as an individual, but there are also so many well-paid jobs in environmental science and natural resources science. These jobs encompass a wide range of fields such as forestry, water resources, zoology, wildlife conservation, and management. It is important to have more representation of Latinos and Hispanics in this industry. Many people in our community may not realize that it is possible to make a good living in this field, and there are plentiful opportunities available nationwide.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, I urge everyone in our community to reflect on our contributions to this country and the opportunities available to us. Many Hispanics come to this country with humble backgrounds, aspiring to create a better life for themselves and their families. We work hard, but it's also important to understand the significance of working smart and seizing the opportunities presented to us.

The United States truly is the land of opportunity. From my humble beginnings in Mexico City, this country has not only provided me with financial stability but has also helped me to become the best version of myself—a better professional, father, and husband. It has given me the chance to contribute to my community and make a positive impact on the conservation field and people’s lives.

I am living proof of the American Dream. If it's possible for me, why not for everyone? Why not for you as a Hispanic child? You have the potential to make a difference for yourself and your community.