Introduction to Guardián Forestal and its Recognition
On September 24, 2025, in New York, United States, Climate Rights International (CRI) acknowledged Guardián Forestal as the world’s leading satellite surveillance system for forest conservation. This recognition came after Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla’s presentation during Climate Week in New York.
Detailed Information about Guardián Forestal
Governor Ramírez Bedolla highlighted that for the first time in Mexico, precise monitoring of forest land use is being applied across 6 million hectares in Michoacán. The technology employed by Guardián Forestal, a unique blend of satellite big data, official government information, and artificial intelligence algorithms operated by civil society, has proven to be highly effective.
This comprehensive monitoring of the entire state territory has facilitated the implementation of the first phase of ProForest Avocado’s certification. The aguacate industry, a significant contributor to Michoacán’s economy, has seen its first steps towards sustainability.
Governor’s Initiative and CRI’s Support
Ramírez Bedolla emphasized that although environmental laws exist, enforcing them is the challenge. Therefore, from the start of his administration, he has promoted the development of a technological platform enabling forest territory monitoring—approximately 6 million hectares in Michoacán.
Daniel Wilkinson, CRI’s Policy Advisor, shared that the organization uses Guardián Forestal and observed deforestation affecting over 2,000 aguacate farms. The system successfully traced the responsible parties, demonstrating the real-world issue and the need for attention.
Impact and Support from Major Corporations
CRI’s Daniel Wilkinson also highlighted Guardián Forestal’s importance in preserving natural resources, urging other countries to adopt similar environmental policies as Michoacán’s to protect forests from land-use change.
Notably, multinational corporations Walmart and Costco, which collectively purchase 60% of Michoacán’s aguacate exported to the United States, have endorsed ProForest Avocado certification and Guardián Forestal as environmental policies against deforestation during this event.
Furthermore, during the international gathering of leading environmental organizations and institutions, Governor Ramírez Bedolla pointed out that Costco and American companies Target and Kroger have adopted these actions for forest conservation and protection.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Guardián Forestal? Guardián Forestal is a cutting-edge satellite surveillance system designed to protect and monitor forests, primarily in Michoacán, Mexico.
- Why is Guardián Forestal significant? It has proven to be highly effective in monitoring forest land use, enabling the first phase of ProForest Avocado certification and supporting sustainable aguacate production.
- Who supports Guardián Forestal? Major corporations like Walmart, Costco, Target, and Kroger have endorsed Guardián Forestal as an essential environmental policy against deforestation.
- What impact does Guardián Forestal have? It helps preserve natural resources and encourages other countries to adopt similar environmental policies for forest protection.
