Environmental Threats
Ecosystems in Maya Biosphere Reserve face numerous threats from human activities, including illegal logging, farming, and ranching in protected areas, as well as drug trafficking, poaching and looting of Maya artefacts. The forest area of the Reserve has shrunk by 13 percent over the last 21 years according to the non-profit organization Rainforest Alliance, which has several community development projects in the region. Some of the most extreme deforestation has occurred in the Laguna del Tigre and Sierra del Lancandon National Parks. Resources are scarce for the protection of the Reserve by guards and park rangers, and the area is often considered a lawless wilderness.
Several local organizations, including ProPetén and ACOFOP have made significant contributions to local management of natural and cultural resources.
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