Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Islas Marías Expands Its Environmental Education Vision
The UNESCO-designated
Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve is taking a bold step toward sustainability and ecological stewardship. The Mexican federal government has approved the development of an
agroecological farm and a
park ranger training center within its protected territory, reinforcing its role as a hub for environmental learning and conservation.
New Projects for a Sustainable Archipelago
According to the
Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) published on October 8, the
National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) received authorization to utilize over
70,000 square meters on Isla María Madre for these new eco-initiatives. The projects align with the federal government’s
National Environmental Restoration Program, which aims to restore degraded coastal and marine ecosystems, urban parks, and forested areas across Mexico.
El Rehilete: A Model of Food Sovereignty
Approximately
26,000 square meters will be devoted to “
El Rehilete” (The Retreat), an
agroecological and self-sufficient farm designed to produce sustainable food and serve as an educational center. Its mission is to strengthen the local economy while teaching young generations about
food sovereignty, resource conservation, and responsible land management.
Training the Next Generation of Park Rangers
The remaining
44,000 square meters will host a modern training facility where
volunteer park rangers will learn essential skills in conservation, ecosystem preservation, and management of
Protected Natural Areas (ANPs). This initiative aims to build local capacity and enhance protection efforts across Mexico’s ecological reserves.
From Penal Colony to Environmental Beacon
Once a remote penal colony operating from
1905 to 2019, Islas Marías has undergone a remarkable transformation. After earning its
Biosphere Reserve status in 2010, the islands were repurposed by President
Andrés Manuel López Obrador into an
environmental education and cultural center named after writer and former inmate
José Revueltas. Today, this transformation symbolizes a shift from punishment to preservation.
Natural Treasures and Ecotourism
The
Pacific Ocean archipelago—comprising María Madre, María Magdalena, María Cleofas, and San Juanito—is located about
94 kilometers (58 miles) off the coast of Nayarit. Visitors can explore the islands through
government-regulated tours departing from Mazatlán or San Blas. The region hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including the
Tres Marías raccoon (Procyon insularis),
Tres Marías cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus graysoni),
21 shark species, and
three species of sea turtles thriving in healthy coral reefs.
A Living Laboratory of Conservation
With its blend of grasslands, shrublands, and tropical forests, Islas Marías is poised to become a
living laboratory for sustainable development. The addition of agricultural innovation and conservation training will reinforce its role as a model for
eco-education, biodiversity protection, and community-based environmental stewardship.
