Illegally acquired territories within the Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve in Campeche

In the southern state of Campeche, Mexico, a troubling development has emerged. Approximately 450 people have crossed into the Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve this year, with the intention of establishing a permanent settlement. This invasion, a recent occurrence, has only felt human pressure in its core conservation zone for the first time.

The Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve, spanning 409,200 hectares (1 million acres) of dry tropical forest, borders Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Established as a state reserve in 2003 and federally recognized in 2023, Balam Kú is one of the largest contiguous protected areas in Mesoamerica, alongside other reserves in Guatemala and Belize.

Alejandro Hernández Sánchez, an ecologist at ECOSUR, has expressed concern about the potential for deforestation and land clearing by the settlers. The invasion is causing concern among ecologists, as deforestation, crop clearing, hunting, and subsistence activities by the settlers could harm the reserve. These people are deforesting hundreds of hectares of dry tropical forest for agriculture and cattle ranching.

Authorities are taking action to remove the temporary settlements before illegal agriculture and cattle ranching spread into other parts of the reserve. However, no new information about the settlers trying to establish a permanent settlement in the reserve is provided.

The invasion of the reserve by settlers has raised alarm, as the Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve is a federally recognized reserve in Mexico, aimed at preserving the region's unique biodiversity. The settlers' activities could disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem and threaten the diverse flora and fauna that call the reserve home.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial that appropriate measures are taken to protect the Balam Kú Biosphere Reserve and its inhabitants. The Mexican government, along with environmental organisations and local communities, must work together to ensure the long-term survival of this vital protected area.