Background and Relevance
Quiroga, Michoacán, August 20, 2025. The Government of Michoacán designated more than 8,189 hectares of forest as voluntary conservation areas in the Lake Pátzcuaro basin, following the initiative of five indigenous communities.
These communities—Santa Fe de la Laguna, San Andrés Tziróndaro, Oponguio, Napízaro, and San Jerónimo Purenchécuaro—are part of the bio-cultural corridor in the northern zone of Lake Pátzcuaro. They received certificates recognizing them as protected areas.
The governor of Michoacán expressed pride in the communities’ decision to relinquish control over these lands for conservation purposes. He also mentioned that the communities will have access to federal resources and state support for ongoing rescue efforts, as protecting Lake Pátzcuaro is a priority for President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Community Contributions
- Santa Fe de la Laguna: Contributed 3,263 hectares
- San Jerónimo Purenchécuaro: Contributed 2,781 hectares
- San Andrés Tziróndaro: Contributed 1,470 hectares
- Napízaro: Contributed 500 hectares
- Oponguio: Contributed 175 hectares
These areas will undergo reforestation, soil conservation through the construction of gabion dams, and fire prevention efforts.
Previous Government Initiatives
Since last year, the Michoacán Government has implemented various measures to reverse human-induced damages, environmental negligence, and crises. These initiatives include:
- The Temporary Employment Program, benefiting regional residents who performed manual labor for the rehabilitation of springs and canals feeding Lake Pátzcuaro.
- Operations to prevent water theft, soil recovery, gabion dam construction, and reforestation campaigns with native tree species.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who are the indigenous communities involved? A: Santa Fe de la Laguna, San Andrés Tziróndaro, Oponguio, Napízaro, and San Jerónimo Purenchécuaro.
- Q: How many hectares were surrendered for conservation? A: More than 8,189 hectares.
- Q: What resources will the communities receive for conservation efforts? A: Access to federal resources and state support.
- Q: What specific conservation activities will take place? A: Reforestation, soil conservation through gabion dams, and fire prevention.
- Q: What other initiatives has the Michoacán Government implemented for Lake Pátzcuaro? A: The Temporary Employment Program, anti-water theft operations, soil recovery projects, gabion dam construction, and reforestation campaigns with native tree species.
