In a landmark agreement signed on August 15, 2025, in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, the leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize established the Great Maya Jungle Biocultural Corridor. This initiative designates over 5.7 million hectares of vital rainforest as a protected area, positioning it as the second-largest nature reserve on the continent, surpassed only by the Amazon.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, and Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño formalized this pact through the 'Calakmul Declaration.' The corridor is designed to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Maya Jungle, a region recognized as Mesoamerica's most extensive tropical forest and a critical habitat for species like jaguars, scarlet macaws, tapirs, and quetzals.
The declaration establishes a trinational Council of Protected Areas Authorities, supported by a trinational advisory group comprising environmental organizations, businesses, academics, and civil society. Key objectives include combating environmental threats such as illegal logging, species trafficking, forest fires, and pollution, while simultaneously fostering regenerative tourism and promoting social justice.
Discussions also addressed the potential expansion of the Maya Train into Guatemala and Belize. President Arévalo stressed the necessity for any expansion to meticulously avoid protected areas and undergo rigorous environmental assessments, a sentiment echoed by Belize's commitment to eco-tourism and environmental preservation. This concern is amplified by past criticisms of the Maya Train project in Mexico regarding its environmental impact, including deforestation.
The Great Maya Jungle Biocultural Corridor signifies a powerful example of international cooperation in safeguarding irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage. It aims to bolster regional connectivity and economic opportunities, emphasizing development in harmony with ecological integrity. The initiative also designates August 15 as the 'Day of the Great Maya Forest' starting in 2026 and introduces the Merit for Conservation of the Great Maya Forest award, underscoring a lasting commitment to this vital ecosystem.