Mexico and Canada Renew Alliance to Strengthen Protected Areas and Climate Action

Mexico and Canada have renewed their long-standing cooperation on biodiversity conservation and climate action, reaffirming a shared commitment to protecting ecosystems through the effective management of Natural Protected Areas (NPAs). Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and Parks Canada signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), building on a previous agreement that ran from 2019 to 2024. The renewed partnership prioritizes climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, coastal and marine protected area management, environmental awareness, and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in conservation governance. Officials from both countries emphasized that international cooperation is increasingly vital as biodiversity loss and climate pressures intensify worldwide. Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena said the agreement reflects decades of strong diplomatic, trade, and environmental collaboration between Mexico and Canada, translating shared international commitments into concrete actions to protect biodiversity and restore critical ecosystems. Pedro Álvarez-Icaza, head of Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), highlighted that the renewed MoU aligns with the Canada–Mexico Action Plan 2025–2028 and underscores the urgency of safeguarding resilient ecosystems for future generations. Canada’s Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Julie Aviva, said the partnership leverages Parks Canada’s expertise in conservation science and Indigenous collaboration to advance protected areas and nature-based solutions. Parks Canada President Ron Hallman added that sharing best practices will help ensure lasting environmental and social benefits. Separately, Mexico is strengthening protected area management at the state level. In Quintana Roo, where more than 30% of the territory is under protection, federal and state officials reviewed strategies to balance conservation with sustainable development amid rapid tourism and urban growth. Governor Mara Lezama emphasized alignment with Mexico’s international commitments, including the global 30×30 biodiversity target, and stressed an environmental justice approach that places local communities at the center of conservation efforts. Together, the bilateral agreement and regional actions highlight Mexico and Canada’s intent to integrate biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and social well-being into long-term public policy.