Quintana Roo’s Drive to Establish Three New Protected Areas

The Quintana Roo state government is looking to finalize the establishment of three new Protected Natural Areas (PNAs). The formal declaration for these areas is set to resume this week, with Alberto Rébora Aguilera, the Secretary of Environment, meeting with Pedro Álvarez Icaza, the head of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp).

Since mid-year, decrees for these PNAs have been signed by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. However, the current federal administration still needs to complete the legal process for each area. The areas in Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Bacalar are being formalized based on their conservation of flora and fauna.

The responsibility to formalize these protected areas falls to President Claudia Sheinbaum. The areas include 400 hectares in the Puerto Morelos mangroves, 200 hectares near the "El Jaguar" Park in Tulum, and an additional 400 hectares in the coastal area of Bacalar, known as "Pulticub", close to Punta Herrero.

There have been some legal challenges in the Tulum area, mainly from private parties such as entrepreneurs and investors who own parts of the region. However, these disputes are being resolved, allowing the protection process for all three areas to proceed.

The upcoming meeting between Aguilera and Icaza will provide a final review of each process and address any remaining issues. The aim is to finalize all formalities and ensure the legal protection of these areas.

These lands were offered to the federal government, then led by President López Obrador, to create PNAs through Semarnat. This was done to preserve the high ecological value of these areas due to their diverse flora and fauna.