Mexico Strengthens Lacandon Jungle Protection

Mexico’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Alicia Bárcena visited Chiapas on Sept. 8–9, as part of federal conservation efforts in the Lacandon Jungle. The visit focused on coordinating with state authorities and local communities to expand reforestation, watershed restoration, and payment programs for environmental services.

The itinerary included the symbolic delivery of funding from the Payment for Environmental Services Program, under the Concurrent Funds modality, benefiting communities such as Frontera Corozal, Naha, Nueva Palestina, and Ejido Canan. Bárcena later met with Lacandón community representatives in Lacanja Chansayab, alongside Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar.

“Communities are the guardians of the Lacandon Jungle. Without them, there would be no jungle,” Bárcena said, adding that the program aims to expand payments as conservation commitments grow.

The initiative complements the state’s Program for the Restoration and Sanitation of Micro-Watersheds, focusing on reforestation and soil conservation in priority areas. During the Second Session of the State Council of Micro-Watersheds, SEMARNAT officials joined state authorities to highlight progress under Chiapas’ Nueva ERA environmental agenda.

Bárcena also delivered a keynote lecture at the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas on Mexico’s climate strategy ahead of COP30. She emphasized national priorities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening adaptation, noting that “collective and simultaneous action is required” and highlighting the role of Indigenous knowledge in conservation.

The Lacandon Jungle is home to seven federally protected natural areas, including the Montes Azules and Lacan-Tun biosphere reserves, as well as community-managed voluntary conservation areas, covering 422,567 hectares.

The visit concluded with a stop at the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo (Zoomat) in Tuxtla Gutierrez, where SEMARNAT officials reaffirmed commitments to biodiversity protection.