Mexico’s Protected Areas Face 81% Budget Cuts

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — The proposed 2026 Federal Expenditure Budget projects a reduction in resources allocated to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), which would receive 1.001 billion pesos, its lowest budget in two decades. This threatens the conservation of more than 1.5 million hectares under protection in Quintana Roo, an area equivalent to 34 percent of the state's territory.

The coalition Northwest Civil Society for Environmental Sustainability (NOSSA) warned that the cut represents a real decrease of 3 percent compared to 2025, meaning 34 million pesos less. Furthermore, the allocation per protected hectare has fallen by 81 percent over the last three federal administrations; if approved by the Congress of the Union, each hectare would receive just 10.22 pesos.

The reduction would also affect the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), with a cut of 94 million pesos (1.2 percent less than in 2024), which would weaken inspection and surveillance capabilities in ecosystems. Currently, Mexico has 79 National Parks, 57 Flora and Fauna Protection Areas, 48 Biosphere Reserves, 28 Sanctuaries, 15 Natural Resource Protection Areas, and five Natural Monuments.

A Leading State

Quintana Roo has positioned itself as the state with the largest conserved surface area in all of Mexico, a recognition it officially obtained during the First National Meeting between state environmental authorities and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

With only about 10 percent of the local budget directed to direct conservation, experts warn that the funds projected for the state are insufficient to address growing pressures such as real estate and tourism expansion, sargassum, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The effects would be severe in strategic areas of the state, such as the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Banco Chinchorro, the Xcalak Reefs, and the Cozumel Reefs. These ecosystems not only represent natural heritage but also function as barriers against hurricanes, climate regulators, and economic sustenance for fishing and tourism communities.

Although the state budget for the environment has grown in recent years, the allocation for conservation remains minimal. In 2025, out of the 359 million pesos executed by the Secretary of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), only 38 million were destined for the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas to manage 15 state Natural Protected Areas.

Expert Opinions

Vicente Ferreyra, director of Sustentur, stated that budgetary insufficiency forces the search for international funds and alliances with the private sector, which he called upon to become more involved: "The business sector that uses and benefits from the protected areas should also fight for their conservation."

For his part, Arturo González, director of the Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc National Park, emphasized that cutting environmental protection puts vital ecosystem services at risk: mangroves, wetlands, food provision, carbon capture, and climate change mitigation.

The paradox is evident: while million-dollar investment flows towards megaprojects and hotel expansion, environmental conservation remains relegated. Experts warn that if this course is maintained, the very tourism industry that depends on reefs, beaches, and biodiversity could become the most affected.