In a historic environmental move, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have announced the creation of the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor—a tri-national nature reserve protecting over 14 million acres (5.7 million hectares) of rainforest across the Mayan Forest, making it the second-largest forest reserve in Latin America after the Amazon.

The leaders hailed the project as “historic.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the area as “one of Earth’s lungs,” vital for biodiversity and cultural heritage. The reserve will span the tri-border region, covering zones threatened by illegal logging, mining, drug trafficking, and unregulated development.

Key to the initiative is a new governing council comprised of environmental authorities and Indigenous representatives. This body will have the power to vet proposed projects in the reserve—including contentious plans like extending the Maya Train—and ensure they don’t violate conservation goals.

To implement enforcement and stewardship effectively, all three countries are preparing a roadmap, backed by initial funding of approximately US$6 million. The goal: secure the territory, empower local communities, and ensure the forest remains alive and protected for generations to come.

This corridor isn’t just a conservation zone—it’s a global model for how nations can unite for nature, heritage, and the future.