Mexico announces 6 new NPs, 7 federal flora/fauna PAs; 3 more expected soon

MEXICO CITY — Officials this week announced the creation of 13 new protected areas across six states in Mexico, putting the country’s list of total federally protected areas at 200.

Mexico introduced six new national parks and seven “flora and fauna protection areas” covering 17,918 hectares (44,276 acres) to be overseen by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp). The commission said it expects to declare three additional protected areas by the end of the month.

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/08/mexico-announces-13-new-protected-areas-with-more-to-come/

US NPs set new mark as economic drivers, generating $50B in benefits, 378,000 jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of the Interior today announced that visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2022 resulted in a record high $50.3 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 378,400 jobs.

“At the Interior Department, we understand that nature is essential to the health, well-being and prosperity of every family and every community in America. But outdoor recreation is not just good for the soul, it’s a significant driver of our national and local economies and job sustainability,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “When people visit one of our amazing parks, they are contributing to the community around them. That’s why our Administration is working so hard through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to provide resources to the National Park System for critical infrastructure and maintenance needs.”

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/national-park-visitation-sets-new-record-as-economic-engines.htm

In historic vote, Ecuador bans O&G drilling in Yasuní NP, one of world's top biodiversity hotspots

In a historic decision, Ecuadorians voted on Sunday against the oil drilling of a protected area in the Amazon that is home to two uncontacted tribes and serves as a biodiversity hotspot.

With more than 90% of the ballots counted by early Monday, about six in 10 Ecuadorians rejected the oil exploration in the Block 44 area, situated within Yasuní national park, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The area is inhabited by the Tagaeri and Taromenane, who live in self-isolation.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/21/ecuador-votes-to-halt-oil-drilling-in-amazonian-biodiversity-hotspot