Flamingos Make a Comeback in Holbox Thanks to Conservation

Holbox, Quintana Roo — The majestic return of flamingos to Punta Coco in Holbox has been celebrated as a hopeful sign that conservation efforts in Quintana Roo are yielding tangible results. Governor Mara Lezama shared the news on her social media, stating that this phenomenon demonstrates how protecting ecosystems enables the return of emblematic species and strengthens environmental balance.

The event coincides with Quintana Roo being recognized as a national leader in environmental conservation during the First National Meeting of Environmental Authorities, organized by Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). The state was highlighted for having over 34% of its territory under some form of environmental protection, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development.

For years, flamingos had disappeared from northern Holbox due to environmental and human factors, including unregulated tourism growth, litter, boat noise, and the degradation of mangroves—their natural habitat. Their absence raised alarms among experts and local communities, who witnessed the disruption of one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most fragile and valuable ecosystems.

Thanks to sustained ecological restoration efforts, tourism regulation, and community involvement, the results are now becoming visible. In Quintana Roo, the government has implemented programs to protect more than 1.5 million hectares, including mangroves, jungles, and marine areas within the Mesoamerican Reef System.

At the national level, Semarnat Secretary Alicia Bárcena has outlined an environmental policy focused on restoring degraded sites, with goals such as reforesting 100,000 hectares and protecting 30% of Mexico’s territory by 2030. Quintana Roo plays a key role in this strategy, hosting one of two planned circular economy parks designed to transform waste into resources and address challenges like sargassum.

“The return of flamingos to Holbox is a beautiful example of how conservation efforts in Quintana Roo continue to bear fruit. Protecting our biodiversity means safeguarding the home of unique species like these,” emphasized Governor Mara Lezama.