Posted: Friday, August 22, 2025. 10:29 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have joined forces to protect more than 14 million acres of tropical forest through the creation of the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor, announced last week.
The reserve, which would be the second largest in the Americas after the Amazon, stretches across southern Mexico and northern Central America, AP reports.
Officials from all three countries say security will be a top priority, given the region’s history of drug trafficking, illegal logging, and land grabbing.
Guatemala’s Environment Minister Patricia Orantes said the state must “retake control of its territory,” while Mexico’s Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena stressed that military support will be needed to safeguard the area.
They also plan to involve local communities by offering economic alternatives, such as Mexico’s “Planting Life” program, which pays landowners to cultivate fruit or timber trees. However, experts warn that sustainable livelihoods and community participation will be key to reducing the influence of organized crime.
To prevent destructive development, the three governments agreed to form environmental and Indigenous advisory councils to review future projects.
A joint committee is now working on a roadmap and expects to secure about $6 million in initial funding to launch the conservation effort.
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The post Belize, Mexico and Guatemala unite to protect more than 14 million acres of forest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, August 22, 2025. 10:29 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have joined forces to protect more than 14 million acres of
The post Belize, Mexico and Guatemala unite to protect more than 14 million acres of forest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
