The Sian Ka’an Mexican biosphere reserve was welcomed to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987 having met a number of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ criterion, including aesthetics and beauty, scale, diversity, conservation status and integrity. Under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ protection, the integrity of this incredible Mexican biosphere reserve has been safeguarded for future generations to enjoy and appreciate with responsible tourism.
What makes Sian Ka’an a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico?
The Sian Ka’an Mexican biosphere reserve located on the south eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas in Mexico, named by the ancient Maya, Sian Ka’an meaning “Origin of the Sky.” According to the UNESCO World Heritage Site website, is it one of Mexico’s largest protected areas, with just over 500,000 hectares of diverse ecosystems.
Enjoying a peerless combination of mangroves, tropical forests, palm savannah, beaches, dunes and lagoons, the Sian Ka’an Mexican biosphere reserve is among the most unique and beautiful areas in Mexico. The UNESCO World Heritage Site status also protect the 120,000 hectares of Caribbean’s Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, shallow bays and lagoons and 23 Mayan archeological sites of interest.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites organization recognizes the Sian Ka’an biosphere’s “outstanding universal value” identifying a number of elements that make it of value for preservations:
Aesthetics and Beauty
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites website identifies the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve’s natural beauty, making particular reference to the undisturbed coastline, diverse shapes and contours as well as cenotes (sinkholes filled with fresh water) and petenes, which are islands of trees that rise from the swamplands.
Scale and Conservation Status
Another reason that the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve was deemed worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites status is due to the diversity of flora and fauna that can be found in the area both on land and within the coral and underground water systems, including endemic species and vulnerable species such as the American Crocodile.
Integrity
The protection of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve is considered to be of high priority to support the intricate relationship between the marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems found here. The symbiotic connections between each system within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is of vital importance to the conservation of the whole biosphere.
At Sian Ka’an Village, it is easy to recognize the uniqueness and natural beauty of the Sian Ka’an biosphere that is celebrated and protected by its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Enjoy responsible tourism and discover one of Mexico’s most prized jewels with a vacation at Sian Ka’an Village.
