Sedatu grants 8,461 hectares of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for conservation to Conanp
The Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) announced today in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) an agreement to grant 8,461 hectares of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Felipe Carrillo Puerto to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp).
Allocation of Land for Conservation Purposes
The Sedatu has made available to Conanp, a federal agency responsible for managing natural protected areas, a total land area of 8,451-61-96.55 hectares located within Polígono 2 Bis of the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve. The designated land is located in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, in the state of Quintana Roo.
The agreement must also be sent to the National Institute of Administration and Appraisal of National Assets (INDAABIN) for registration with the Federal Public Property Registry. Though the agreement does not specify how Conanp intends to use the newly allocated land, it is presumed to be part of the Tren Maya project and the Tulum International Airport development, as the said polygon was originally part of the Ejido Chunyaxche.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, encompasses several municipalities in the state of Quintana Roo. These include Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Bacalar, and Othón P. Blanco. The Reserve spans a vast area of 528,148 hectares, including the Flora and Fauna Uaymil Protected Area and the Sian Ka´an Coral Reef Biosphere Reserve. The three protected areas jointly form the Sian Ka´an Complex with a total land area of 652,192.97 hectares.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is home to a wide variety of animal species such as jaguars, tapirs, manatees, and peccaries. It also has an intricate system of underground freshwater rivers that connect cenotes and petenes, making it unique not only in the Yucatan Peninsula but also worldwide. Without a doubt, this natural capital is the most important asset of the Reserve.
Conservation Efforts
The newly allocated land by Sedatu is vital to the continued conservation efforts in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The Reserve’s management program aims to promote sustainable tourism and conservation of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural resources.
Through the implementation of sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism, and the establishment of research and monitoring programs, the Reserve can provide a unique and enriching experience for visitors while simultaneously protecting its natural and cultural resources.
As a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, the Sian Ka’an Reserve is committed to sustainable development and conservation efforts. The allocation of the new land by Sedatu is a positive step towards preserving this valuable natural resource for future generations.
