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Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Create 5.7 Million Hectare Tri-National Nature Reserve, Latin America’s 2nd Largest
In a historic concert in Calakmul, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala, and Prime Minister Johnny Briceño of Belize announced on August 15, 2025, the creation of a vast 5.7 million hectare (14 million acre) transnational nature reserve. With this step, the region gains the second-largest protected area in Latin America, second only to the Amazon (AP News).
Where and How the Agreement Was Made
The reserve was born out of trilateral talks hosted at Hotel Mundo Maya Calakmul in Campeche, Mexico. Here the three leaders issued the “Declaración de Calakmul”, which formally created the “Corredor Biocultural Gran Selva Maya.”
The agreement followed a series of meetings: first between Sheinbaum and Arévalo in Guatemala’s Petén region, then a joint announcement with Briceño in Calakmul. These talks highlight a new level of environmental diplomacy in Central America.
What the Agreement Means in Practice
The new reserve is more than a line on a map. It comes with concrete commitments, including:
- Environmental protection: tackling illegal logging, forest fires, wildlife trafficking, and unsustainable development.
- Community participation: empowering Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities to lead and benefit from conservation efforts.
- Cultural heritage protection: safeguarding Maya archaeological treasures such as Tikal, Calakmul, and Caracol.
- Sustainable development: expanding the “Sembrando Vida” reforestation and livelihood programme into Guatemala and Belize.
A Global Win for Nature and People
Officials highlight that the new reserve is now the second largest in Latin America after the Amazon. Conservation groups call the agreement “monumental,” though they stress the importance of enforcement and monitoring.
The announcement also comes amid discussions about expanding Mexico’s Maya Train project into Guatemala and Belize. Guatemala has been clear: any expansion must avoid protected areas and meet strict environmental standards (AP News).
Why This Reserve Matters
This initiative has ripple effects across many levels:
Ecosystems
It secures critical habitats for jaguars, scarlet macaws, spider monkeys, tapirs and thousands of other species that rely on continuous rainforest.
Cultural Heritage
It preserves world-famous Maya ruins and supports the cultural identity of Indigenous and Afro-descendant groups.
Climate and Communities
Forests in this corridor are powerful carbon sinks. Protecting them strengthens climate resilience while sustaining local livelihoods.
Regional Cooperation
It demonstrates that countries can achieve more together, setting a precedent for cross-border environmental governance.
A Living Legacy
The 5.7 million hectare Tri-National Nature Reserve is a landmark for Latin America and for the planet. It shows how nations can unite around nature, culture, and climate—and how protecting biodiversity is also an act of self-preservation.
As one conservationist summed it up:
“We are part of nature. Protecting it means protecting ourselves.”
How You Can Contribute
This new tri-national reserve shows what’s possible when we work together for the planet. Here are simple ways you can make a difference too:
- Spend time outdoors , even a walk in a local park helps build connection with the natural world.
- Support conservation projects, look for trusted organisations that protect forests, wildlife, and Indigenous communities.
- Plant and protect trees , in your garden, community, or through reputable reforestation initiatives.
- Learn and share , talk with friends and family about the importance of biodiversity and why forests matter.
- Travel mindfully, when visiting natural areas, choose eco-friendly options and respect local ecosystems.
By taking small steps in our daily lives, we not only protect nature — we also nurture our own wellbeing and strengthen our bond with the living world.
