Just ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference in Cancun, Mexico has announced a new biosphere reserve encompassing much of the Quintana Roo coastline. Mexico News Today reports that the new protected area will encompass 5.7 million hectares (22,000 sq. miles), and will include the municipalities of Isla Mujeres, Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Solidaridad, Cozumel, Tulum, Bacalar and Othón P. Blanco.

The area will be administered by the Natural Protected Areas Commission who have identified funding sources, including foreign governments, to finance operations and maintenance.