Discover the Latest Expansion of Protected Natural Areas in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, a Mexican state renowned for its rich biodiversity, currently boasts 11 Protected Natural Areas (PNAs). This number could soon increase with the introduction of a new presidential decree. The existing protected areas in the state include:

• Chankanaab Lagoon in Cozumel, making up 0.004% of the municipal territory.
• Kabah Park in Benito Juárez: 0.013%.
• Bay of Chetumal, Manatee Sanctuary in Othón P. Blanco: 88.771%.
• Xcacel-Xcacelito in Tulum: 0.116%.
• Manatí Lagoon in Benito Juárez: 0.065%.
• Colombia Lagoon in Cozumel: 0.361%.
• Chichankanab lagoon system in José María Morelos: 3.711%.
• Bacalar lagoon park in Bacalar: 0.002%.
• Chacmochuch Lagoon System in Isla Mujeres and Benito Juárez: 0.612%.
• Forests and Wetlands of Cozumel in Cozumel: 6.343%.
• Green Umbilical in Benito Juárez: 0.001%.

As per the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (Conahcyt) and the Intersecretarial Commission of Biosafety and Genetically Modified Organisms (Cibiogem), these PNAs are legally defined geographical spaces dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources.

The State System of Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo (SEANPQROO) data reveals that as of June 2014, the state's 11 PNAs cover a total area of 312,864.672 hectares.

The current administration under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is expected to increase this count to 12. The federal government has initiated the process to designate a new PNA that will cover roughly a quarter of the municipality of Solidaridad, in Quintana Roo. This move aims to halt the Calica company from resuming stone material extraction south of Playa del Carmen.