The Mexico–United States international park, also known as El Carmen Big Bend Complex, is a proposed transboundary protected area straddling the part of the U.S.–Mexico boundary delineated by the Rio Grande.

But for a tourist, for a park ranger, for a conservationist, and for anyone who has visited this spectacular place, one thing is clear: what we share here – the seamless flow of nature across both banks of the river – is far stronger and far more enduring than what divides us.We celebrate putting into actions a model of collaboration for transboundary conservation.

The Big Bend-Rio Bravo Natural Area of Binational Interest is a model envisioned by our Presidents; it is a dream shared by many past generations; and a legacy for present and future ones.

[10][9][2] He wrote, I do not believe this undertaking in the Big Bend will be complete until the entire park area ... on both sides of the Rio Grande, forms one great international park.President Camacho agreed with Roosevelt's aim.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Mexican Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada outlined the Cooperative Action for Conservation in the Big Bend/Rio Bravo Region, a plan already underway that identified "the next steps for the continued coordination between the two countries in the protection and preservation of the transnational Big Bend/Rio Bravo region – North America's largest and most diverse desert ecosystem.

The dry, arid desert border region houses a population of 15 million people[15] thanks to the rapid economic growth following NAFTA.

[20] The El Carmen Big Bend Complex, specifically, is often referred to as “Texas’s Gift to the Nation” and it is famous for its abundance in natural resources, recreational opportunities and cultural history along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Conservation organizations have been making great strides in ameliorating these ecosystems, as evidenced in the bi-national work taking place in protected natural areas along the border.

[23] In regards to natural barriers, completion of the complex would benefit the Rio Grande river, which has had decreasing water levels due to agricultural usage and climate change.

[25] Despite these technical differences in designation, the NPS, U.S.-Mexico Affairs Office, and CONANP collaborate to share knowledge from their management experiences so as to best protect the ecosystem at large.

[26] Big Bend, Maderas del Carmen, and Cañon de Santa Elena are all part of the Chihuahuan Desert, which is not bounded by the 118 miles of international border that politically splits it in half.

[30] This GMP identified several needs for park managers to work on solving: better protection of natural resources, improved employee housing and storage facilities, and an expanded visitor interpretation program.

The overarching purpose of protecting Maderas del Carmen is to preserve forests and migration corridors, save endangered animals from extinction, and develop better conservation practices through study.

[31] The management plan identifies more specific goals, including creating sustainable development practices, restoring endangered ecosystems, and preserving the cultural significance of the area.

[32] The area's management plan outlines several goals: to protect natural resources, to restore ecosystems, and to inspire sustainable practices by sharing knowledge.

Archaeological objects have been found in Coahuila, Mexico, and southwestern Texas, U.S. within the El Carmen Big Bend Complex.

The identification of archaeological objects found on the land indicates the variety of connections Native American tribes had with the greater environment of the Big Bend.

In these artifacts, she discovered the use of four elements—bone, deer, paint, and music—which are sacred objects of Native American culture, with special significance in traditional ceremonies.

The examination of the archaeological object found within the Big Bend Complex, specifically in Coahuila, Mexico, and Southwestern Texas, U.S., provided context on the relationship Native American tribes had with the environment surrounding them, and how significant the land is to their cultural identity.