Mexico Guatemala and Belize sign pact to protect the Mayan Forest

Three nations join forces in a historic pact to safeguard the green lung of Mesoamerica.

A Cry for Hope in the Heart of the Jungle

In an act that will resonate for generations, the leaders of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize sealed with ink and determination an agreement that defies time. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, president of Mexico, together with Bernardo Arévalo de León of Guatemala and John Antonio Briceño of Belize, drew a line in history by committing to protect 5.7 million hectares of the majestic Mayan Forest. This biocultural corridor is not just land; It is the living soul of Mesoamerica, a treasure where the flutter of a scarlet macaw’s wings can trigger an echo that crosses borders.

An Oath Among Giants

With words full of emotion, Sheinbaum proclaimed: “Today, our nations write a chapter of pride and unity. We are not mere spectators, but guardians of a millennia-old legacy.” The agreement, woven with threads of social justice and ecological balance, will benefit 2 million inhabitants and creatures such as the jaguar, the quetzal and the tapir, symbols of a biodiversity that struggles to survive. The numbers are astonishing: 7,000 species, 200 endangered, 50 priority species and 250 endemics will find refuge in this green sanctuary.

RelatedThe Mayan Train now wants to conquer Guatemala and Belize

But not everything is poetry. The shadow of illegal logging, forest fires and deforestation lurks. Therefore, the pact includes concrete actions: technology exchange, training in fire management and an inclusive model for the communities that inhabit these lands. “Protecting the Mayan Jungle is protecting life itself,” declared Arévalo, while Briceño added: “This agreement is a beacon for the world, proof that union transcends maps.”

A Legacy that Beats in the Present

August 15 was marked as Day of the Great Mayan Forest, and with it, the “Merit for Conservation” award was born, a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to defending this paradise. The indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, ancestral custodians of these forests, were recognized as pillars of this mission. “We not only save trees; we honor the memory of a civilization that still breathes among us,” Briceño stressed.

The Protected Areas Council, made up of representatives from the three countries, will be the watchdog of this dream. As the world watches, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize demonstrate that borders are illusory when it comes to preserving one of the last lungs on the planet.

Share this historic feat! Let the world know that the Mayan Jungle has guardians. Explore more about how coming together can save our natural heritage.

  • 12 protected areas in Mexico, 27 in Guatemala and 11 in Belize make up this sanctuary.
  • The jaguar, the scarlet macaw and the quetzal are just some of the 7,000 living beings that depend on this pact.

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One year after the discovery in a crematorium, families march for justice

One year after the discovery of 386 bodies, families demand justice and an end to corruption.

March for justice one year later

On Saturday afternoon, groups of families affected by the Plenitude crematorium case demonstrated. The discovery of 386 bodies turns one year old, and the bereaved demand answers.

The protest began at the Latinoamericana funeral home, one of those identified by family members. From there, the protesters walked towards the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE).

Dora Elena Delgado, spokesperson for the Justicia para Nuestros Deudos collective, reported that at least 1,500 families were affected. The central demand: no more impunity, no more corruption and full justice.

Actions pending by the authority

The protesters carried blankets with messages of justice. They demand action against Coespris officials involved in the case, as well as the recapture of José Luis A. C., owner of the crematorium. He was released by a federal judge, and a red card from Interpol is expected to arrest him again.

So far, of the 386 bodies found, the FGE reports that 135 remain to be identified. The identification process continues.

The collective Memory, Dignity and Justice joined the mobilization. They placed a permanent memorial in the shape of a cross outside the Prosecutor’s Office, as a reminder of the victims.

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Sheinbaum asks to preserve native corn for national sovereignty

Sheinbaum highlights that native corn is key to food sovereignty and national identity.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo reaffirmed that the governments of the Fourth Transformation defend national sovereignty in all areas. During a meeting with farmers in Pijijiapan, Chiapas, he highlighted the importance of native corn as a pillar of Mexican identity and self-sufficiency.

Defense of sovereignty through native corn

Sheinbaum presented the “Corn is the Root” program, whose objective is to improve the conditions of producers and reduce dependence on seeds controlled by large corporations.

“Conserving native corn also means defending sovereignty,” he stated.

The president warned about the risks of hybrid seeds:

“If we continue with pure hybrid corn, people will depend on buying seeds and those who sell the seeds will be a few companies.”

He stressed that preserving native varieties is essential to avoid this economic dependence.

“If we did not have native corn, we would lose a good part of food sovereignty, of what we are as Mexicans,” he said.

In addition, it extended the defense of sovereignty to the energy, cultural and food fields. She assured that the Fourth Transformation drives her “in every possible way.”

The program seeks to strengthen small farmers and conserve the genetic diversity of corn, a central element in the country’s diet and culture.

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Mexico sends rescue team to Venezuela after earthquakes

25 specialists and 5 canine pairs travel to support search efforts in Venezuela.

Solidarity in action

After the earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 registered in Venezuela on June 24, which left 1,430 dead and 3,328 injured, Mexico reinforced its humanitarian support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) coordinated the sending of a rescue mission with the Mexican Red Cross and the Volaris airline.

“This afternoon a support team made up of 25 specialists from the Urban Search and Rescue Unit (USAR) of the Red Cross and the Cancun International Rescue Brigade (USAR BRIC) left for Venezuela, as well as a brigade element from the Azteca Topos,” the agency indicated.

Equipment and logistics

The mission includes five canine pairs and 3.5 tons of specialized equipment for search and rescue tasks in the rubble. The shipment was transported on a Volaris flight.

“With this, Mexico reaffirms its solidarity and commitment to the Venezuelan people in these difficult times,” the SRE said in a statement. Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco heads the coordination of this aid.

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