Cancún, Mexico — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa highlighted the importance of wetlands for life, social well-being, and sustainable development in Quintana Roo during World Wetlands Day, noting these ecosystems cover approximately 20% of the state’s territory.
The governor said Quintana Roo contains more than 860,000 hectares of wetlands that perform essential functions including drinking water storage and filtration, flood reduction, protection against hydrometeorological phenomena like hurricanes, and capturing large amounts of carbon to help mitigate climate change effects.
“Quintana Roo hosts 13 Ramsar sites, recognized internationally, placing us among the Mexican states with the greatest environmental responsibility,” Lezama said in a message to residents marking the occasion.
Quintana Roo’s Ramsar Sites
The 13 designated sites are:
- Isla Contoy National Park (wetland of international importance for waterbirds)
- Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve
- Xcalak Reef National Park
- Yum Balam
- Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
- Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Beach (Ramsar site including coastal zone important for sea turtles)
- Chichankanaab Lagoon
- Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve
- Balaan Kaax
- Cozumel Reef National Park
- Nichupté Mangroves
- Otoch Maax Yetel Kooh
- Northern Isla Cozumel Mangroves and Wetlands
Lezama emphasized that protecting wetlands not only safeguards biodiversity but also strengthens communities and the local economy by supporting productive activities and ecological balance. “Even emblematic species like the jaguar show signs of recovery when these ecosystems remain healthy,” she added.
The governor reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to wetland protection and restoration, calling their defense a key action to ensure Quintana Roo’s environmental and social future.
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