The governor of the State of Mexico, Alfredo Del Mazo Maza, began the opening of the monarch butterfly sanctuary and endorsed the commitment of his administration to protect and preserve this species and its environment.
He noted that the Mexican government is committed to fighting illegal logging in the forests and to promote productive projects for tourism service providers in this region.
He highlighted the work done by the Gendarmerie, the Mexican Army and the State Police, among other security forces, to take care of the Mexican forest areas, and combat illegal logging.
Del Mazo Maza indicated that tourism will support the Biosphere of the Monarch Butterfly, with the promotion of productive projects so that they have the opportunity to have income all year.
“Not only do the sanctuary have the opportunity to generate income during the season of the Monarch, but we have the opportunity to promote regional productive projects, which allow them to generate income throughout the year,” he said.
The head of the State Executive announced that the agreement of the State of Mexico with the World Wildlife Fund will be renewed, so that together they continue to take care of the productive development of the regions where the monarch butterfly arrives.
Accompanied by Alejandro del Mazo, National Commissioner of Protected Natural Areas, the governor recognized the work of those who care for this area that includes the State of Mexico and Michoacán, with more than 56,000 hectares.
“Congratulations to those who make it possible for these forests to be cared for, conserved, promoted for tourist attraction, and that we always have the courage to continue preserving this great species that reaches the State of Mexico,” he said.
Del Mazo Maza said that the monarch butterfly is also a symbol of brotherhood between Mexico, Canada and the United States, countries through which this species passes before reaching the forests of Mexico and Michoacan.
“It reminds us that the three countries are also countries that have been characterized by being built with migrants, as is the monarch butterfly that also migrates year after year among these three countries,” he said.
Alejandro Del Mazo said that in the more than 4,500 kilometers of the monarch’s route, they pass through 44 natural areas and 21 states of the Republic, and during the past season they received more than 200,000 visitors.
A commemorative plaque was also unveiled as the World Natural Heritage Site of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Ejido del Capulín.