Guatemala Joins Mexico and Belize to Protect the Maya Forest
Guatemala will invest in the conservation of the Maya Forest alongside Mexico and Belize, creating a biocultural corridor spanning over 5.7 million hectares.
On August 15, 2025, the presidents of Guatemala and Mexico, along with the Prime Minister of Belize, signed the Calakmul Declaration, establishing the Great Maya Forest Biocultural Corridor. This trinational initiative will protect over 5.7 million hectares of tropical forest, making it the second-largest natural reserve in the Americas after the Amazon.
The corridor integrates 50 protected areas: 27 in Guatemala, 12 in Mexico, and 11 in Belize. It spans lowland and highland rainforests, mangroves, and freshwater systems, and is home to iconic species such as the jaguar, scarlet macaw, tapir, and quetzal.
Shared Vision, Local Impact
President Bernardo Arévalo emphasized that the Maya Forest is a “cultural and natural heritage of humanity,” and that the agreement reflects a commitment to restore, preserve, and sustainably manage its resources in coordination with indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.
The corridor is also home to two million people, many of whom will benefit from initiatives in soil restoration, reforestation, and food security.
“This corridor is not just a commitment to biodiversity but a bridge to a future where sustainable development, regenerative tourism, and ancestral wisdom guide our path.” — Prime Minister John Briceño
Governance and Global Recognition
Each country has designated its environmental authority to oversee the corridor:
- Guatemala: National Council for Protected Areas
- Mexico: National Commission for Protected Natural Areas
- Belize: Ministry of Sustainable Development
These agencies will form a Council of Protected Area Authorities, responsible for developing an investment plan, reporting progress every three years, and coordinating with a Tri-national Support Group of academic, private, and civil society partners.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) praised the initiative, noting that the Maya Forest is one of the world’s major deforestation fronts and urgently needs coordinated protection.
Symbolic and Strategic Milestones
- August 15 will now be recognized as the Day of the Great Maya Forest
- A new Conservation Merit Award will honor outstanding contributions to its protection
- The corridor may align with future infrastructure projects like the Tren Maya, as hinted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
