Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize Create a 14-Million-Acre Protected Area in the Mayan Jungle
Photo: sunsinger/Depositphotos
Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize encompass one of the planet’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Referred to as the Mayan jungle, this tropical rainforest hosts more than 7,000 species, inclusive of 200 endangered animals and a similar count of species unique to the area—indicating their exclusive presence there. To protect this region, the three nations’ governments have established the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor, a safeguarded expanse covering 14 million acres (5.7 million hectares).
“This represents one of Earth’s vital lungs, a habitat for thousands of species rich in cultural heritage that we must preserve for future generations,” stated Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. Due to its vastness, this corridor will rank as the second largest natural reserve in the Americas, following only the Amazon rainforest. Guatemala will contribute the most, with 2,673,726 hectares of protected lands—approximately one-fifth of its overall area—while Mexico will follow with 2,426,451 hectares, and Belize will add 591,700 hectares.
Measures put in place to support the thriving of this region encompass soil regeneration, restoration of compromised forest coverage, promotion of food independence, and primarily enhancing the welfare of Indigenous communities while recognizing their role as stewards of the environment. The agreement aims to protect a priceless legacy while fostering a sustainable model of development that enhances the well-being of populations across the three bordering countries.
However, this extensive project faces significant obstacles. Organized crime syndicates, illegal logging, and mining operations compromise the area. For true protection of the zone, the governments pledged to bolster security and involve local inhabitants by providing alternative livelihoods. One such initiative is the expansion of Mexico’s “Planting Life” program, which allocates funds to landowners for cultivating select trees that yield fruits or timber.
The establishment of the reserve also necessitates a reconsideration of certain infrastructure plans that may jeopardize the environment, such as the advancement of Mexico’s Mayan train into Belize. Consequently, a council consisting of environmental experts and Indigenous representatives will provide guidance on which projects could endanger this delicate region.
“We are not just conserving an ecosystem; we are also paying tribute to the heritage of the civilization that once thrived in these lands,” expressed Belize Prime Minister John Briceño. “Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize are once again illustrating that our political boundaries do not divide us, but unite our efforts to safeguard one of the planet’s last lungs and the living heritage of the Maya civilization.”
Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor: Website