Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize to protect 14 million acres of Mayan forest

In a landmark environmental agreement, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have announced the creation of the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor, a tri-national reserve encompassing over 14 million acres of tropical forest. This initiative aims to safeguard the Maya Forest, one of the most biodiverse regions in the Americas, and to promote sustainable development in the area (AP News).

A historic collaboration

The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Calakmul, Campeche state, Mexico, on August 15, 2025. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, and Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceño emphasized the significance of the collaboration. President Sheinbaum described the project as a “historic” step toward regional environmental protection and sustainable development.

The Maya Forest spans southern Mexico, northern Guatemala, and western Belize, serving as a critical habitat for species such as jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. It also holds cultural importance, with ancient Mayan archaeological sites such as Tikal and Calakmul located within its boundaries (Nature Conservancy).

Objectives of the biocultural corridor

The primary goals of the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor are:

• Environmental protection: preserve the rich biodiversity of the Maya Forest by preventing deforestation and habitat destruction
• Community engagement: involve local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring they benefit from sustainable practices
• Cultural preservation: protect and promote the heritage of Indigenous and local communities living within the corridor
• Sustainable development: encourage eco-friendly economic activities that provide livelihoods without compromising environmental integrity

Addressing challenges

While the initiative has been widely praised, it faces several challenges:

• Illegal activities: the region has been affected by illegal logging, drug trafficking, and land encroachment
• Development pressures: large-scale development projects, such as the controversial Maya Train in Mexico, could threaten the forest’s integrity (AP News)

To address these issues, the three countries have pledged to:

• strengthen security through enhanced law enforcement and surveillance
• implement sustainable policies and reject projects that could harm the environment
• establish governance structures with environmental and Indigenous representatives to oversee corridor management

The role of the Maya Train

The Maya Train, a high-speed rail project in Mexico, has been a point of contention due to its potential environmental impact. While proponents argue that it will boost tourism and economic development, critics warn it could lead to deforestation and disruption of wildlife habitats.

Leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have agreed that any future infrastructure projects within the corridor must undergo rigorous environmental assessments and align with conservation goals. This approach aims to balance development with environmental stewardship.

Looking ahead

The creation of the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor represents a significant step toward regional cooperation in environmental conservation. By integrating ecological protection with cultural and community considerations, the initiative sets a precedent for future conservation efforts in the region.

Continued collaboration among governments, Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders will be crucial. The commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity preservation will not only protect the Maya Forest but also ensure it remains a vibrant ecosystem for generations to come (World Wildlife Fund).