Mexico Steps Up Bosque de Agua Protection in 2026

Mexican federal, state, and local authorities have intensified surveillance, law enforcement and restoration efforts in the Bosque de Agua region in 2026, building on last year’s results that included the eradication of illegal logging, the shutdown of unauthorized sawmills and properties, and expanded wildfire prevention and ecosystem restoration actions. 

The reinforced strategy involves coordinated operations by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), Mexico City’s Secretariat of the Environment (SEDEMA) through the General Directorate of Natural Resources and Rural Development (DGCORENADR), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), the National Guard, state and municipal prosecutors and police forces, as well as the boroughs of Tlalpan and Cuajimalpa.

Authorities reported that inspection, surveillance and criminal enforcement efforts during the previous year led to the elimination of illegal logging in Topilejo and the closure and dismantling of all clandestine sawmills in Huitzilac, two of the most critical forest areas within the Bosque de Agua. A significant reduction in illegal logging and unauthorized wood-processing centers was also recorded in Ajusco, Milpa Alta and La Magdalena Contreras.

These actions are carried out under the interstate coordination agreement signed one year ago between Mexico City and the states of Mexico and Morelos to protect the Bosque de Agua. Additional results from 2025 include the closure of 50 sawmills and properties operating without land-use change authorization, the referral of 20 individuals to competent authorities, and the filing of 69 criminal complaints, reflecting stronger enforcement across the region.

Wildfire prevention has also been strengthened ahead of the 2026 dry season, reported the Sustainable Development Secretariat of Morelos (SDS) continuing operations in the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park.

During the third operational period, authorities secured 292.8m3 of combustible material, identified as the result of illegal activities, representing a high fire risk. Additionally, personnel carried out fuel management and firebreak construction in the Llano de la Piedra and La Cachucha areas. Authorities also built 406 m of firebreaks, bringing the total to 1,402m with a width of 4m, significantly strengthening preventive fire protection zones.

The effort included personnel from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) in Morelos, Semarnat’s Morelos delegation, state civil protection units, municipal authorities from Ocuilan and Huitzilac, emergency medical services, communal land representatives, and the National Guard.

Why is Bosque de Agua a Priority Region?

Bosque de Agua is considered one of the most strategic ecological regions in central Mexico due to its role in water security, climate regulation and ecosystem connectivity. The forested area spans parts of Mexico City, the State of Mexico and Morelos and functions as a natural hydrological system that captures, filters and replenishes surface and groundwater resources.

Authorities estimate that the watersheds connected to the Bosque de Agua, including the Balsas, Lerma–Santiago and Panuco basins, supply approximately 30% of the water used in Mexico City. In addition, conservation land and its connection to the forest facilitate groundwater infiltration, from which up to 70% of the capital’s water consumption is extracted through aquifers.

Beyond water provision, the region plays a critical role in soil conservation, carbon capture and biodiversity protection. Its ecosystems help regulate local and regional temperatures, mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and serve as habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The forest also acts as a natural barrier against erosion and landslides in mountainous areas surrounding the metropolitan zone.

Because of its ecological functions, the degradation of the Bosque de Agua poses direct risks to water availability, public safety and economic activity in the country’s most densely populated region, which is home to more than 20 million people. Authorities have therefore emphasized that sustained enforcement, wildfire prevention and restoration efforts are essential not only for environmental protection, but also for safeguarding long-term water supply and regional resilience.