Pronatura’s 35-Year Ecosystem Conservation Milestone

For over three decades, Pronatura has been at the forefront of environmental conservation in the Yucatan Peninsula. The organization recently celebrated another year of success at the historic Casa Palomeque. Pronatura's notable achievements include the protection of 151,000 hectares in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and the conservation of 4,150 hectares of jungles and wetlands in Tizimín, located in the El Zapotal Conservation Area. Here, five species of wildcats have been documented. Furthermore, Pronatura has released over 14 million sea turtle hatchlings on the beaches of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. Mónica Hernández, a member of Pronatura's Board of Directors, urged attendees to support the organization's initiatives, underlining the significance of preserving ecosystems like mangroves and jungles.

In the realm of sustainable tourism, Pronatura has trained over 867 tourism operators in the conservation and management of the whale shark, predominantly in Holbox and Isla Mujeres. The organization has also played a crucial role in protecting more than 10,000 hectares of mangroves, wetlands, and forests, which are vital habitats for species like the pink flamingo, the red heron, and various migratory birds traversing the peninsula. Additionally, Pronatura has championed sustainable tourism programs and provided training for local communities in regenerative agriculture and natural resource management. As a result, around 220 individuals in Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo have received training in community tourism initiatives and naturalist guide programs.

These achievements have been made possible through collaborations with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), the Campeche government, and civil society, in partnership with organizations like The Nature Conservancy. Over the past eight years, Pronatura has engaged with 25 rural communities across five municipalities of Campeche, establishing approximately 1,500 hectares of regenerative, low-carbon emission agriculture and livestock. More than 600 producers have been trained in sustainable techniques, while 104 producers, organized into five cooperatives, have developed the production and commercialization of organic aloe vera, creating over 100 direct jobs for rural families, primarily women.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Fernando Orozco Ojeda, regional director of the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexican Caribbean for Conanp; María Andrade H., director of Pronatura Yucatán Peninsula, and Joann Andrews, founder of the organization. Ricardo Ponce Gutiérrez, president of the board of Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatán, emphasized the importance of partnerships with governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities in achieving significant progress in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the organization's donors for their continued support.