MEXECRI develops research and education projects related to natural resources in collaboration with communities.  The results of these studies will be released to the public at local, national and international levels in order to educate the public about the diversity, problems and prospects for sustainable community management of natural resources.  Projects are planned in this area to assist communities in developing appropriate water assessment methods which can be implemented at the local level.

• Michoacán Pollen and Plant Database of the Meseta:  This project will establish a public educational and research database for pollen and plant documentation from the Meseta Purépecha in the highland area of Michoacán, Mexico.  This region contains rich biodiversity, that remains largely undocumented, in the high-altitude temperate rainforest near the peak of the ancient volcano Tancítaro.  The project will collect, photograph and maintain contemporary and paleoecology reference collections for public access.  The project will collaborate with Purépecha (Native American) communities, universities and the Mexican government.
• Michoacán Deforestation Study in the Meseta: This project studies the impact of deforestation of the natural temperate rainforest on water resources and plant and wildlife habitats. The forests are being transformed into avocado plantations which do not provide adequate habitats for native plants and wildlife, such as the Monarch butterfly.