Upon President López Obrador’s announcement of building a Tren Maya station and a new airport in the resort town of Tulum, the Mexican government is now implementing stronger measures to protect the jaguar reserve in the area.
The park houses the archaeological sites of Tulum and Tankah, which are also safeguarded by the Commission of Natural Areas and the National Institute of Anthropology.
There have been several attempts to invade properties near the sea and along the federal highway that connects Riviera Maya to Cancun, as well as those bordering urbanized areas.
Since February, a specialized team has been permanently commissioned to monitor the Jaguar Reserve.
“We’re talking about approximately 2,000 visitors per day, with occasional peaks of around 7,000 people per day. The main risk is that more people may continue to invade the various properties within the park and build structures that are prohibited due to it being a protected natural reserve.”
More than 200 agents of the National Guard have been deployed to the Flora and Fauna Jaguar Protection Area by decree since July of last year.
Protection of the Jaguar Reserve
In recent years, the Riviera Maya region has experienced a significant increase in tourism, mainly driven by the development of high-end resorts, which have generated considerable interest from both domestic and foreign visitors.
The Jaguar Reserve, which covers an area of 640,000 hectares, has become a popular attraction for tourists who come to see the majestic felines in their natural habitat. However, this has also led to increased pressure on the reserve, with a rise in illegal construction and land invasions.
In response, the Mexican government has increased its efforts to protect the reserve, deploying specialized teams to monitor and prevent illegal activities. The National Guard, a military police force created in 2019, has played a vital role in these efforts, with more than 200 agents currently deployed in the area.
The reserve is also protected by the Commission of Natural Areas and the National Institute of Anthropology, which oversee the preservation of the archaeological sites of Tulum and Tankah, both located within the park.
Challenges faced by the Jaguar Reserve
Despite the government’s efforts to protect the reserve, several challenges remain. The high influx of tourists and developers, combined with the limited resources of the government, has made it difficult to enforce regulations and prevent illegal activities effectively.
Moreover, the reserve is also threatened by climate change, with rising sea levels and temperatures that could impact the jaguar population and its natural habitat.
To address these challenges, the Mexican government has been working with local communities, environmental organizations, and international agencies to develop sustainable tourism practices and protect the reserve’s biodiversity.
The protection of the Jaguar Reserve is essential not only for the survival of the felines but also for the preservation of the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. With the increasing threats posed by tourism and climate change, it is crucial for the government to continue its efforts to safeguard the reserve and promote sustainable development in the region.
