Three countries have come together to create a tri-national nature reserve, which will be the second largest in the area, behind the Amazon.
Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize announced the Corredor Biocultural Gran Selva Maya, which is more than 14 million acres (5.7 million hectares). The agreement protects the Mayan rain forest, which in addition to supporting vital ecosystems and habitats for animals such as jaguars and spider monkeys, is also an important carbon sink.
While monitoring and enforcement will be key to ensuring its success, there is a commitment to address illegal logging and unsustainable development. In addition, the Indigenous communities with their knowledge and experience will be valuable in the conservation efforts.
Conservationists are excited about this agreement being formalized and it shows what is possible when countries work together.