Mexico Announces Four New Marine Protected Areas

Published on

December 13, 2016

Written by

Island Conservation

Mexico declares four marine protected areas at United Nations Biodiversity Conference.

On December 6, 2016, Mexico designated four marine protected areas covering 5.75 million hectares. This “Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve” will protect 21 islands, 97 islets and surrounding sea areas through multiple-use zoning, which includes protection of fishing grounds for local fishermen and habitats for marine mammals and seabirds. The newly protected areas contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and Aichi Biodiversity Target 11. The announcement was made at this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference in Cancun.

island conservation mexico guadalupe
Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Credit: Island Conservation

We know that this is the culmination of years of hard work by many conservationists working to protect Mexico’s important plants and animals. Congratulations to everyone who worked to secure protection for these regions.

Featured photo: Coast of Mexico. Credit: Drew Taylor
Source: SDG Knowledge Hub

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