A New Era for Belize’s Wild Heart
Stepping into the Greater Maya Forest
A New Era for Belize’s Wild Heart
In a landmark move, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have united to protect 14 million acres (roughly 5.7 million hectares) of the ancient Maya forest, forming the Biocultural Corridor of the Great Maya Forest—the second-largest protected area in Latin America after the Amazon.
A Tri-National Commitment to Conservation
At a historic summit in Calakmul, the leaders of the three nations heralded the initiative as a triumph for biodiversity and cultural heritage. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called it “one of Earth’s lungs,” while Belize and Guatemala reinforced the need for sustainable development and Indigenous-led stewardship of the land.
What This Means for Belize
Belize contributes 11 protected areas to the corridor, forming vital links in this cross-border conservation chain. Key among them is the Maya Forest Corridor, an area in central Belize that bridges the Maya Mountains and the northern forests, ensuring crucial habitat connectivity for jaguars, tapirs, river turtles, and more.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park plays a special role here. Located on the eastern edge of the Maya Mountains and co-managed by Friends of Mayflower Bocawina, the park is a vibrant part of the Belize Jaguar Corridor and Maya Forest bioregion. Its 7,000 acres of tropical rainforest offer diverse ecosystems—lowland and hill broadleaf forests, waterfalls, and Maya archaeological sites—all of which contribute both to biodiversity and cultural conservation.
The Jaguar Preserve: Just Minutes Away
Only a 20-minute drive from Bocawina lies the world-famous Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, often called the Jaguar Preserve. Covering more than 150 square miles of lush forest and mountains, it’s the first reserve in the world dedicated to protecting jaguars. The sanctuary is also a birding hotspot, with Scarlet Macaws, Keel-billed Toucans, and a wealth of tropical species thriving alongside its big cats. For guests staying at Bocawina or traveling with Island Expeditions, a day trip to Cockscomb adds another unforgettable layer of wildlife, culture, and conservation to their Belize adventure.
Why It Matters to Travelers and Nature Lovers
For travelers guided by Island Expeditions, this conservation milestone opens new pathways for meaningful exploration. Imagine hiking rainforest trails rich in birdlife and monkey calls, paddling rivers alive with wildlife, or staying at eco-friendly lodges like Bocawina that are deeply connected to these landscapes. You’re not just witnessing nature—you’re entering a bold conservation story that spans nations and generations.
Looking Ahead
Island Expeditions is committed to leading with conservation at the core of everything we do. Our expeditions are designed with minimal impact on the environment, while providing authentic, off-the-grid experiences that connect travelers to the wild side of Belize. By employing and partnering with local communities, we ensure that our trips not only showcase Belize’s incredible landscapes and wildlife but also directly support the people who call these places home.
Check out some of our Wildlife Adventures :
Rainforest Wildlife Extension
Sacred Caves & Temples Extension
Cayo Caves & Temples Extension
Maya Moho River Expedition
Maya World Extension
Sources :
yucatanmagazine.com
wysscampaign.org