Water Systems in the Maya Bioregion
The Maya Forest is sustained by a network of vital water systems, including rivers, lakes, and cenotes (natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing groundwater) that span Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. These waters support rich biodiversity, from lush tropical forests to a wide variety of wildlife.
Key watersheds such as the Usumacinta, Motagua, and Cahabón rivers, along with pristine lakes like Atitlán and Izabal, are the lifeblood of this region, supporting both ecosystems and local communities.
Key Characteristics and Conservation
- Karst Dominance: 80% of the bioregion’s water flows underground due to limestone; surface rivers are short or seasonal except Usumacinta and Belize systems.
- Ecological Importance: Support 4,000+ plant species, 400 birds, 100 mammals (e.g., jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys); cenotes host endemic species.
- Cultural Role: Maya used cenotes and lakes for water and rituals; rivers supported trade (e.g., Usumacinta routes).
Conservation Efforts
- Biocultural Corridor of the Great Mayan Forest (2025): Protects 5.7M ha, including Usumacinta and Candelaria watersheds; indigenous-led.
- The Nature Conservancy: Restores 15,000 ha of rivers (e.g., Belize River); water points for drought resilience.
- CENOTE Mexico: Monitors 1,000+ cenotes for pollution; promotes sustainable tourism.
- WWF Mexico: Protects Calakmul wetlands and Usumacinta delta; 50+ water points installed.
Threats
- Deforestation (10% loss in Maya Biosphere Reserve, 2000–2023), pollution (agriculture, tourism), climate change (droughts, fires).
Cenotes
Lagoons
Lakes
Rivers
Cenotes
The cenotes are famous for their natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and their importance in Mayan culture and history. They continue to be significant for both ecological reasons and as popular destinations for visitors.
- Cenote Ik Kil (Mexico)
- Cenote Sagrado (Chichen Itza, Mexico)
- Cenote Dos Ojos (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Gran Cenote (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Suytun (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Zaci (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Samula (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Xkeken (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Calavera (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Angelita (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Caracol (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Chac Mool (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Ponderosa (El Eden) (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Yokdzonot (Yokdzonot, Mexico)
- Cenote Tajma Ha (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Xlacah (Dzibilchaltun, Mexico)
- Cenote Oxman (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Jardin del Eden (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Xunaan-Ha (Chemuyil, Mexico)
Lagoons
Lagoons are essential for their ecological diversity, supporting various species and acting as vital resources for local communities.
- Laguna de Bacalar (Mexico)
- Laguna Nichupté (Mexico)
- Laguna de Yalahau (Mexico)
- Laguna de Terminos (Mexico)
- Laguna Manatee (Belize)
- Laguna Laguna de Chichancanab (Mexico)
- Laguna La Joya (Mexico)
- Laguna de Izabal (Guatemala)
- Laguna de Coba (Mexico)
- Laguna de Muyil (Mexico)
- Laguna de Akumal (Mexico)
- Laguna Negra (Belize)
- Laguna de Seven Hills (Belize)
- Laguna de Petén Itzá (Guatemala)
- Laguna de El Tigre (Guatemala)
Lakes
The lakes are not only significant for their ecological and hydrological functions but also hold cultural and historical importance for the local communities and the Mayan heritage.
- Lake Petén Itzá (Guatemala)
- Lake Izabal (Guatemala)
- Lake Atitlán (Guatemala)
- Lake Amatitlán (Guatemala)
- Lake Yojoa (Honduras)
- Laguna Bacalar (Mexico)
- Lake Coba (Mexico)
- Lake Yaxhá (Guatemala)
- Lake Macanche (Guatemala)
- Lake Quexil (Guatemala)
- Lake Salpetén (Guatemala)
- Lake Sacnab (Guatemala)
- Laguna Guija (El Salvador)
- Lake Lemoa (Guatemala)
- Lake Atescatempa (Guatemala)
Rivers
The rivers are integral to the Maya Bioregion, supporting diverse ecosystems, providing water for agriculture, and holding cultural and historical significance for the indigenous and local communities.
- Usumacinta River (Guatemala, Mexico)
- Motagua River (Guatemala)
- Rio Hondo (Mexico, Belize)
- Rio Dulce (Guatemala)
- Sarstoon River (Belize, Guatemala)
- Belize River (Belize)
- New River (Belize)
- Mopan River (Belize, Guatemala)
- Sibun River (Belize)
- Chixoy River (Guatemala, also known as the Salinas River when it crosses into Mexico)
- San Pedro River (Belize, Guatemala)
- Rio Grande (Belize)
- Rio Lagartos (Mexico)
- Candelaria River (Mexico)
- Grijalva River (Mexico)
- Passion River (Guatemala)
- Polochic River (Guatemala)
- San Juan River (Guatemala)
- Temash River (Belize)
- Sittee River (Belize)
- Cenote Ik Kil (Mexico)
- Cenote Sagrado (Chichen Itza, Mexico)
- Cenote Dos Ojos (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Gran Cenote (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Suytun (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Zaci (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Samula (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Xkeken (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Calavera (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Angelita (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Caracol (Tulum, Mexico)
- Cenote Chac Mool (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Ponderosa (El Eden) (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Yokdzonot (Yokdzonot, Mexico)
- Cenote Tajma Ha (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Xlacah (Dzibilchaltun, Mexico)
- Cenote Oxman (Valladolid, Mexico)
- Cenote Jardin del Eden (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
- Cenote Xunaan-Ha (Chemuyil, Mexico)
- Laguna de Bacalar (Mexico)
- Laguna Nichupté (Mexico)
- Laguna de Yalahau (Mexico)
- Laguna de Terminos (Mexico)
- Laguna Manatee (Belize)
- Laguna Laguna de Chichancanab (Mexico)
- Laguna La Joya (Mexico)
- Laguna de Izabal (Guatemala)
- Laguna de Coba (Mexico)
- Laguna de Muyil (Mexico)
- Laguna de Akumal (Mexico)
- Laguna Negra (Belize)
- Laguna de Seven Hills (Belize)
- Laguna de Petén Itzá (Guatemala)
- Laguna de El Tigre (Guatemala)
- Lake Petén Itzá (Guatemala)
- Lake Izabal (Guatemala)
- Lake Atitlán (Guatemala)
- Lake Amatitlán (Guatemala)
- Lake Yojoa (Honduras)
- Laguna Bacalar (Mexico)
- Lake Coba (Mexico)
- Lake Yaxhá (Guatemala)
- Lake Macanche (Guatemala)
- Lake Quexil (Guatemala)
- Lake Salpetén (Guatemala)
- Lake Sacnab (Guatemala)
- Laguna Guija (El Salvador)
- Lake Lemoa (Guatemala)
- Lake Atescatempa (Guatemala)
- Usumacinta River (Guatemala, Mexico)
- Motagua River (Guatemala)
- Rio Hondo (Mexico, Belize)
- Rio Dulce (Guatemala)
- Sarstoon River (Belize, Guatemala)
- Belize River (Belize)
- New River (Belize)
- Mopan River (Belize, Guatemala)
- Sibun River (Belize)
- Chixoy River (Guatemala, also known as the Salinas River when it crosses into Mexico)
- San Pedro River (Belize, Guatemala)
- Rio Grande (Belize)
- Rio Lagartos (Mexico)
- Candelaria River (Mexico)
- Grijalva River (Mexico)
- Passion River (Guatemala)
- Polochic River (Guatemala)
- San Juan River (Guatemala)
- Temash River (Belize)
- Sittee River (Belize)
Protecting these bioregions is essential!
Protecting the forest, the reef and the water systems is essential for preserving the delicate balance of life, maintaining cultural heritage, and ensuring the health and prosperity of the indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with these waters for generations.
United, we can safeguard these vital bioregions, a source of life and heritage for all.
Not only for their biodiversity but also for maintaining the delicate balance of our global ecosystem and honoring the indigenous cultures that have thrived here for millennia.