Three of the 13 new biosphere reserves designated by UNESCO are located in Mexico. Biggest is the Lacandon Jungle in Chiapas, populated by 6,500 indigenous people belonging to three ethnic groups. Traditional slash-and-burn farming methods have reduced the size of this jungle.
Three islands in the Sea of Cortés include a penal colony but also plant and animal life found nowhere else. The volcano reserve east of Mexico City is dominated by sometimes smoking Popocatépetl and already is a national park. Governments seek out the UNESCO designation and then, when it is given, pledge to protect these biosphere reserves.
Jimm Budd
Reporting from Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
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