Tulum’s new Jaguar National Park set to become Quintana Roo’s second largest Nature Reserve

To preserve and safeguard regional wildlife and the environment, work is currently being done to create a new natural reserve in Quintana Roo.

The much awaited Jaguar National Park project, which will be situated in northeastern Tulum, will cover 2,258 hectares, making it the second-largest protected area in the state after Sian Ka’an, which covers 528,147 hectares.

The project, which aims to save the nation’s natural, cultural, and historical treasures by halting growing urbanization, was initially announced by the Mexican government in late 2022.

The project will advance territorial planning by protecting the natural and cultural wealth of the Riviera Maya, according to Román Meyer Falcón, head of the Ministry of Agrarian, Land, and Urban Development (Sedatu), who stated at the time that it will be carried out with assistance from the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

“The aim is to stop excessive urban growth, particularly in the city of Tulum and other surrounding areas, and to be able to preserve the environment,” Falcón said. “Sedatu and Semarnat are collaborating to turn the park into a space for healthy coexistence with the environment and an international benchmark for the conservation of ecological heritage.”

Falcón further explained that the new park will include the restoration of degraded areas, the development of productive activities, such as beekeeping to care for the ecosystem, strategies for the conservation of flora and fauna with an emphasis on endemic species, such as the jaguar to promote their protection and reproduction, in addition to delimiting the surface to avoid future disruption.

Also, the initiative will build pathways for local species to move about freely. There are 928 species in Mexico’s natural protected area, most of which are endemic and several of which are in danger of going extinct, including the jaguar after which the park is named. The new regulation makes it illegal to introduce genetically modified organisms or invasive species, extract plants, animals, soil, or ground cover, while any destruction of habitats within the protected area will be strictly prohibited in an effort to preserve the region’s native plant and animal life.

Tulum has surged in popularity in recent years due to the magnetism of its beautiful beaches, lush landscape and rich ancient history that melds with modern resorts and entertainment offerings that appeal to a diverse and cosmopolitan crowd. The uniqueness of Tulum’s environment has, in consequence, led to rapid development and soaring prices that have put some of its treasured natural resources in danger. Jaguar National Park is an important step to preserve and nurture the area’s native fauna and flora, while also educating those who live and visit to enjoy and take care of Tulum as an eco-tourist destination. Beachgoers will also soon be able to access the park and archeological zone directly from seven different locations.

Learn more about Tulum’s new Parque Nacional del Jaguar by watching the video below. English subtitles can be applied.

Protecting Tulum’s Park: preserving natural ecosystem amidst predatory Real Estate Investment

In recent years, Tulum has seen an influx of predatory real estate investors who have been buying up land in the area for quick profits. This has led to rapid development and a corresponding increase in prices, making it difficult for locals to afford to live here. The park is a much-needed respite from this development, and it is important that it is protected so that the jaguar and other animals can continue to live there.

The park will offer the government many possibilities for eco-friendly tourism in hopes that this is an important milestone for Tulum’s preservation of its natural ecosystem.