“We have 21 such sites; they are territories that conserve water, forests, wildlife, and culture, as well as destinations for sustainable tourism and learning about nature,” the agency highlighted in a message on its X social media profile.

It called for a review of practices and the strengthening of measures to guarantee their conservation in the face of severe threats such as drug trafficking and “narco-ranching,” arson, illegal logging, timber theft, and the looting of archaeological sites.

Among the first National Parks declared, the iconic Tikal stands out; located in the northeastern department of Petén, it features dense tropical rainforest and monumental archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization.

Year 1955 saw the designation of the Naciones Unidas National Park (in the municipalities of Villa Nueva and Amatitlsn) and Rio Dulce National Park (in the Caribbean department of Izabal).

Other treasures include Pacaya Volcano and Calderas Lagoon National Park in Escuintla; Lachua Lagoon and Lanquin Caves in Alta Verapaz; and Sierra del Lacandon and Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo—also in Peten—among others.

According to analysts, these parks ensure ecosystem services and safeguard biodiversity while preserving identity and fostering sustainable development.

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