Quintana Roo Tops Mexico in Protected Land Conservation

Mexico City, Mexico — Quintana Roo has been officially recognized as the state with the highest level of environmental conservation in Mexico, with over 1.5 million hectares of protected land, accounting for 34% of its total territory. The announcement was made during the First National Meeting between environmental authorities from all 32 states and the head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, along with her leadership team.

Strengthening Environmental Coordination Nationwide

The meeting, held at the Bioparque San Antonio in Mexico City, was convened by the National Association of State Environmental Authorities (ANAAE), chaired by Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Ecology and Environment, Óscar Rébora Aguilera. The event marked a milestone in establishing an inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking environmental policy.

“From ANAAE, we celebrate this space for open and constructive dialogue with the federal government. It is a clear sign that interinstitutional collaboration is key to addressing the socio-environmental challenges we face as a country,” stated the president of ANAAE.

Key Agreements and Commitments

The meeting resulted in significant agreements, including:

• The identification of 50 priority sites for ecological restoration.
• The advancement of a national circular economy and comprehensive waste management agenda.
• The strengthening of protocols to address environmental emergencies.

These measures reaffirm Mexico’s commitment to environmental justice and the protection of vulnerable communities, aligning with the goal of conserving 30% of the nation’s territory by 2030.

SEMARNAT Secretary Adriana Bárcena Ibarra reiterated her dedication to sustainable development that prioritizes both people and the planet, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility between federal and state governments.

Quintana Roo’s Conservation Leadership

As part of the New Agreement for Well-Being and Development in Quintana Roo, promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, SEMA Secretary Óscar Rébora reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transformative environmental policies.

Quintana Roo leads in conservation, with 34% of its territory under protection, including 20 federal and state natural reserves. The state is home to internationally significant ecosystems such as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, mangroves, and tropical forests, which serve as critical habitats for endangered species like the jaguar and sea turtle.