Mexico Announces Four New Marine Protected Areas

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.

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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Island Conservation prevents extinctions by removing invasive species from islands. To date, we have successfully restored 60 islands worldwide, benefiting 1090 populations of 399 species and subspecies. Working together with local communities, government management agencies, and conservation organizations, we select islands that have the greatest potential for preventing the extinction of globally threatened species.