Guatemala Protects Mayan Biosphere Over Oil Profits

Quick Smiles:

• Guatemala ends oil extraction to safeguard a vital biosphere reserve.
• The land will be monitored by the military to prevent illegal activities.
• Leaders vow to prioritize ecological integrity and conservation.

Guatemala has chosen not to renew a lease on a 7,000-acre oil field, prioritizing the protection of the Laguna del Tigre Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is crucial for Mesoamerican wildlife, spanning borders with Belize and Mexico, and is a globally important protected area.

Concerns over pollution, illegal activities, and low oil prices prompted the government to close the wells and shift focus to conservation. The land will be handed over to the Guatemalan military, enabling better oversight and environmental protection in the region.

“This marks the beginning of a process of taking control of a vast portion of the national territory that has long been open to all kinds of actors who often exploit it for illicit activities,” President Bernardo Arévalo said in a speech.

The Ministry of National Defense and the National Civil Police will establish a stronger presence to curb illegal ranching, farming, and logging, partnering with neighboring Mexico and Belize for collaborative protection efforts. This move reflects President Arévalo’s commitment to environmental protection, clean energy, and indigenous rights.

Environment Minister Patricia Orantes announced plans for a significant shift in management, placing a special emphasis on the Mayan Biosphere.

“We must conserve [the Maya Forest] for the good of Guatemalans and for the world,” Orantes said. “Protecting the climate is our responsibility, and that is what we’re aiming for.”

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