Quintana Roo’s Protected Areas Drive Green Growth

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The state of Quintana Roo currently maintains a network of ten Protected Natural Areas (ANP) that contribute to a balance between conservation and economic development. These zones, distributed across different regions of the state, are subject to management programs that guarantee their sustainable use and the protection of local biodiversity.

ANPs as Tools for Land Management

The common perception that protected areas limit productive activities is incorrect; on the contrary, their primary purpose is to organize the territory, establishing zones of strict protection and areas designated for sustainable economic activities, such as ecotourism and environmental research.

Population growth and urban development pressures have driven the creation of new protected areas, such as the recent incorporation of mangroves in Puerto Morelos, which expands the surface area designated for conservation in the region.

Furthermore, different complementary strategies, such as the Wildlife Conservation Management Units, offer alternative schemes for protecting essential ecosystems without halting social and economic development.

The Challenge of Ecological Connectivity

One of the key challenges in conserving these areas is maintaining ecological connectivity between different ecosystems, allowing for the movement of species and the genetic flow that guarantees their survival.

Large-scale projects, such as the Maya Train, represent either an opportunity or a risk for these biological corridors, depending on how they are integrated into conservation and land-use planning plans. Adequate management can strengthen the interaction between infrastructure and ecosystems, ensuring growth that respects and preserves the region's biodiversity.