Mayan Forest: A Vital Bioregion
After the Amazon, Mesoamerica’s Maya Forest, covering 14 million hectares, is the largest remaining tropical forest in the Americas. Spanning Belize, northern Guatemala, and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the Maya Forest provides shelter to countless rare and endangered species, such as the white-lipped peccary, tapir, scarlet macaw, harpy eagle, and monkey. Jaguar tracks are often seen on the forest floor. It is also home to up to 400 bird species, and during peak winter migration months, hosts several million avian visitors.
photo by Graham Green
Besides being also a critical carbon sink for our planet, the Maya Forest is home to ancient Maya cities like Tikal and El Mirador, Palenque, Chichen Itza and so many more. It preserves the rich cultural heritage and wisdom of the Maya civilization.
Many communities continue to practise traditional farming techniques and manage the forest as they have done for generations.
Protecting these bioregions is essential!
Not only for its biodiversity but also for maintaining the delicate balance of our global ecosystem and honoring the indigenous cultures that have thrived here for millennia.
The Mangroves
The Mayan Forest bioregion encompasses extensive mangrove ecosystems along the coastlines of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. These mangroves are crucial for maintaining coastal biodiversity, providing habitats for countless species, including fish, birds, and crustaceans. They act as natural buffers, protecting shorelines from erosion and storm surges, while also serving as vital carbon sinks.
The mangroves support the livelihoods of local communities and play an essential role in sustaining the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
Mayan Reef: A Vital Bioregion
The Mayan Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, is the second-largest coral reef in the world, stretching along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. This vibrant underwater ecosystem is home to a dazzling array of marine life, including sea turtles, colourful fish, and delicate coral formations.
The Mayan Reef supports the livelihoods of local communities through fishing and tourism while acting as a natural barrier against storms. Preserving the Mayan Reef is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity, protecting coastal regions, and sustaining the cultural and economic vitality of the indigenous peoples who have lived harmoniously with these waters for generations.
Water Systems: A Vital 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.
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.