Trash Trouble Threatens Cancún’s Vital Natural Parks

Cancún's two primary Protected Natural Areas (PNA), Kabah Urban Park and Ombligo Verde, are under threat due to the accumulation of garbage and discarded cigarette butts. These issues not only pose a risk to the local wildlife but also increase the risk of fires. Many visitors to these parks fail to dispose of their waste properly, leaving behind a trail of trash.

Despite regulations prohibiting smoking in these areas, discarded cigarette butts are a common sight. This is particularly concerning due to the abundance of vegetation and dry leaves in the parks, which could easily ignite and cause a fire.

Kabah Urban Park and Ombligo Verde are often referred to as the "lungs" of Cancún. Their central location within the city allows them to produce oxygen and regulate the local temperature. These parks are home to a diverse range of species, including boas, coatis, spider monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and raccoons.

The parks also host a wide variety of local flora and bird species. So far this year, 40 different bird species have been recorded during monitoring sessions. However, the introduction of invasive species poses a significant threat to this biodiversity. These non-native species compete with local wildlife for food and space, disrupting the ecosystem.

The International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on May 22, 2024, aims to halt biodiversity loss. This year's theme, "Be part of the Plan," encourages everyone to participate in the 2050 Biodiversity Plan. In Cancún's PNA parks, efforts are being made to avoid feeding wildlife, reduce stress on animal populations, reforest the area, and ensure a stable water supply.

Biodiversity is under threat globally due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. In Mexico and throughout Latin America, fish, bird, amphibian, and reptile populations are declining at an alarming rate of 4.8% per year.