Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – The Government of Jalisco has officially established two new Protected Natural Areas (ANP) with significant implications for environmental conservation, including the Sierra El Cuale, which will directly benefit Puerto Vallarta and neighboring regions.
Published in the Official State Gazette by the Secretariat of Environment and Territorial Development (Semadet), these protections mark a vital step in preserving the ecosystems that support the area’s hydrology and climate resilience.
Covering an extensive 81,887.75 hectares, the Sierra El Cuale ANP encompasses parts of Cabo Corrientes, Mascota, Puerto Vallarta, and Talpa de Allende. This region plays a crucial role in supplying water to Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings, regulating the local microclimate, and providing natural barriers against cyclones and hurricanes.
Preserving the Sierra El Cuale will not only protect vital environmental functions but also foster sustainable ecotourism and agriculture through a management plan focused on regenerative practices. The new decree aims to end the threat of deforestation in Puerto Vallarta’s southern mountains, securing this rich ecosystem for the future.
The Sierra El Cuale hosts a remarkable diversity, with 1,858 plant species, 72 mammal species, 314 bird species, and 111 types of amphibians and reptiles. Establishing this protected area is a crucial move to safeguard these natural treasures amid growing environmental pressures.
The second ANP, located in El Bajío in Zapopan, spans 971.27 hectares, ensuring the protection of key hydrological zones essential for groundwater recharge. Here, development is limited, with 87% of the region untouched by urbanization and 80% of areas suitable for potential growth kept in their natural state.
This innovative decree integrates environmental management practices focused on water retention, serving as a model for other regions facing similar developmental pressures. A Master Regeneration Plan, guided by an Institutional Technical Advisory Committee, will further oversee the area’s sustainable growth.
Through these initiatives, Jalisco is setting an inspiring example of environmental stewardship, bolstering the ecological stability of Puerto Vallarta and beyond. This commitment reflects a vision that balances ecological conservation with community needs, ensuring a resilient future for one of Mexico’s cherished coastal regions.
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