Protecting Yucatán’s Puuc Route: UNESCO Site Gets Renewed Focus

Yucatán, Mexico — The Yucatán Initiative Foundation is advancing a comprehensive vision for the conservation of the Puuc Route, a network of archaeological sites including Uxmal, Kabáh, Labná, and Sayil, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The foundation emphasizes the interconnectedness of these ancient Maya cities, which extend beyond their architectural heritage and ceremonial causeways, known as Sacbé in Maya.

A Holistic Approach to Preservation

Ricardo Bello Bolio, the foundation’s director in Mexico, explained in an interview that the Puuc Route’s significance lies in its relationship with nature, particularly the presence of jaguars and other ecological elements. “The term Puuc refers to a hilly region where these cities developed,” he noted. The foundation, led in the U.S. by Zenón Medina-Cetina, is working to highlight these connections through conservation and research.

Current efforts include installing plaques at Kabáh, Labná, and Sayil to denote their UNESCO status. “We expect this to be finalized soon, as UNESCO and Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have already approved the initiative,” Bello Bolio stated.

Academic and Community Engagement

The foundation is collaborating with the Mérida campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) to publish scientific books on Yucatán’s flora, fauna, entomology, and coastal marine species. “Proceeds from these books will fund additional projects,” said Bello Bolio, former rector of the Metropolitan Technological University.

The foundation also seeks to formalize partnerships with INAH and obtain donor status to issue tax-deductible receipts for contributions. Its approach integrates “convergence science,” fostering interdisciplinary research to develop new methodologies for understanding the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Local Impact and Strategic Projects

During the foundation’s launch in March at Uxmal, INAH archaeologist José Huchim, the site’s director, highlighted the initiative’s potential to bolster research, conservation, and community outreach. “Our goal is to recover history while supporting the well-being of contemporary Maya communities,” he said.

The foundation’s strategic plan prioritizes seven of 19 proposed projects, including:

• A surveillance system for Uxmal’s archaeological zone.
• An eco-friendly mobility network.
• Restoration and study of the Uxmal-Kabáh Sacbé.
• Conservation of Uxmal’s perimeter wall.
• Sustainable water management solutions.
• Museum volunteer programs.
• Augmented and virtual reality experiences for visitors.

Huchim emphasized the importance of local involvement, stating that nearby communities like San Simón, Santa Elena, Muna, and Abalá must become stakeholders in preserving their ancestral heritage.

The foundation’s efforts aim to balance conservation with social development, ensuring the Puuc Route remains a vital cultural and ecological landmark for future generations.