PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO — In a decisive move to safeguard and revitalize one of the region’s most important natural assets, the Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development (Semadet) has appointed a multidisciplinary team of four specialists to conduct a thorough diagnosis of Estero El Salado State Park. Over the next three months, the team will analyze the park’s current conditions, identify conservation priorities, and propose strategies to promote sustainable public use.
Under the leadership of Dr. Helios Hernández Hurtado, who will serve as comprehensive project leader, the team will focus on four core areas: ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, public use, and park maintenance. Their findings will inform the Operational Project 2025, a new initiative designed to reactivate recreational activities and ensure the long-term preservation of this critical natural space.
“Estero El Salado is a unique urban mangrove habitat,” said an official from Semadet, “and our goal is to protect and enhance its ecological importance while allowing residents and visitors to enjoy it responsibly.”
The four experts named to oversee this endeavor are:
- Dr. Helios Hernández Hurtado – Comprehensive project leader
- Mtra. Emma Lizeth Noriega Garza – Project manager for environmental education, public use, and recreation
- Biologist Ildefonso Ramos Guerrero – Responsible for ecosystem management, wildlife, and restoration
- Biologist Emmanuel Alejandro Sandoval Hernández – Research and monitoring specialist
This group will examine the park’s current state, covering everything from wildlife habitat quality to infrastructure needs, ultimately formulating a robust plan to restore and maintain the mangrove ecosystem. Estero El Salado covers 209 hectares of protected land and is recognized as the only urban mangrove in Latin America. This rare habitat supports a wide range of species, including crocodiles, aquatic birds, fish, and a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Experts estimate that around 100 species of birds, 24 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 17 species of mammals make their home in the park.
Semadet officials emphasize that the forthcoming report will guide conservation efforts and help shape educational programs that encourage responsible recreational use of the Estero El Salado. With the project expected to conclude in three months, residents and visitors can look forward to a revitalized natural haven—one that balances ecosystem integrity with community engagement, ensuring that this invaluable urban mangrove continues to thrive for generations to come.
