Quintana Roo Seeks International Support to Strengthen Conservation Efforts

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Environmental authorities in Quintana Roo are advancing an international project to strengthen conservation efforts in protected natural areas, emphasizing prevention, scientific research, and cross-sector collaboration.

Javier Carballar Osorio, director general of the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO), announced that officials are currently working on an internationally funded project designed to enhance management of both federal and state conservation areas.

Carballar Osorio explained that over the past decade, the number of studies and monitoring programs in key ecosystems like reefs, jungles, and wetlands has increased significantly, providing more scientific data for decision-making.

“Today we have more data than we did ten years ago, and that gives us better tools to address conservation challenges more precisely,” he said.

The official stressed that institutional work requires coordinated participation from all three levels of government, along with civil society and the business sector. He noted that the Institute’s role involves facilitating processes, collaborating, and tracking research results from specialized organizations to translate them into effective solutions.

One of the main challenges, he said, is ensuring that protected natural areas are considered in development projects, particularly in the private sector. Since restoration is always more expensive, prevention and avoidance are more practical approaches. He emphasized that protected areas should be viewed as allies for sustainable development that respects the environment.

Carballar Osorio noted that Cozumel, due to its island status and high biodiversity, faces particular fragility that demands careful planning. He said international projects aim specifically to strengthen local capacities, given limitations in national and state resources. He added that as a megadiverse country with significant social needs, Mexico often focuses support on immediate concerns, making international assistance crucial for maintaining conservation as a priority.