Mexico is a biodiversity hotspot with an extensive forest cover that is crucial in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon, supporting ecosystems, and providing livelihoods. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), about 64.8 million hectares of Mexico’s land area is covered by forests, representing approximately 33% of the country’s total landmass. These forests are primarily divided into tropical and temperate forests, with tropical forests accounting for the largest proportion, followed by temperate forests dominated by pine and oak species.

Mexico’s forests are home to diverse tree species, including pines, oaks, firs, and tropical hardwoods. These forests sequester substantial amounts of carbon, helping to regulate the Earth’s climate. The composition of Mexico’s forests varies significantly across different regions. In the north, coniferous forests dominate, while tropical rainforests and deciduous forests are more prevalent in the south and southeast. Each forest type has unique ecological characteristics and carbon sequestration capacities.

Mexico’s forests are highly diverse and comprise various ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, cloud forests, mangroves, and dry forests. Key tree species include pines (Pinus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), ceiba (Ceiba pentandra), and mangroves (Rhizophora spp.). These ecosystems play a critical role in sequestering carbon. According to the National Forest Inventory, Mexico’s forests absorb around 748 million tons of CO₂ annually, significantly reducing the country’s overall carbon footprint.

The dense tropical forests, especially in regions such as Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula, are particularly effective at carbon sequestration due to their fast-growing and high-biomass species. Temperate forests, while slower-growing, also play a vital role in carbon storage, particularly in the form of long-lived tree species that capture and store carbon over long periods.

Over the past decade, Mexico has experienced a concerning deforestation and forest degradation rate. Logging operations, agricultural expansion, and urban development have contributed to the loss of forest cover. While precise data can vary, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of hectares of forests have been cleared or degraded during this period.

Wildfires have also emerged as a significant threat to Mexico’s forests. Climate change, coupled with human activities such as uncontrolled burning and land clearing, has increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires. These events can cause severe damage to forest ecosystems, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and hindering the forests’ ability to recover.

Climate change is driving the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, as rising temperatures and prolonged droughts create favorable conditions for fire outbreaks. In 2019, Mexico experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons recently, with fires affecting several protected areas, including the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán.

Over the past decade, Mexico has experienced significant deforestation due to logging, agriculture, and urban development. Between 2010 and 2020, Mexico lost approximately 1.8 million hectares of forest, equivalent to around 2.7% of its forest cover. The leading drivers of this loss include illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure projects. Although the government has taken steps to regulate logging activities through concession permits and sustainable forest management initiatives, enforcement remains weak in many regions, particularly in remote rural areas where illegal logging activities persist.

Large-scale agriculture and livestock farming are also responsible for significant deforestation, particularly in tropical regions such as Campeche, Chiapas, and Tabasco. The conversion of forest land into pastures and plantations, such as palm oil, has accelerated forest loss. Infrastructure development, including highways and urban expansion, further fragments and degrades forest ecosystems.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Forest Sequestration

Mexico’s forests are critical in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. Forest conservation, reforestation, and afforestation efforts are integral to these targets. However, including forest sequestration in Mexico’s NDC has been challenged due to ongoing deforestation and the slow pace of reforestation initiatives. Although some programs, such as “Sembrando Vida,” aim to restore millions of hectares of degraded land.

Public Policy and Forest Protection

Mexico’s public policy landscape regarding forests is evolving. Government initiatives to promote sustainable forest management and reforestation are essential for combating deforestation and preserving forest ecosystems. Mexico has implemented several public policies to protect and expand its forest cover. The “Ley General de Desarrollo Forestal Sustentable” (General Law on Sustainable Forest Development) provides the legal framework for forest management, conservation, and restoration. The National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) oversees forest policies and implements programs that promote sustainable use of forest resources.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Mexico Country Manager Pablo Necoechea Porras.

 

Primary Forest Influencer: Dr. Arturo Gómez Pompa

@DrGomez_Pompa

Dr. Arturo Gómez Pompa is a distinguished Mexican ecologist and botanist who has significantly contributed to studying and conservating tropical forests. As a professor emeritus at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), he has been a leading voice advocating for forest protection and sustainable development. As the most well-known advocate for forest conservation in Mexico, Dr. Gomez-Pompa has contributed to creating a rational discussion agenda on the best strategies for defending tropical ecosystems. As a political advisor, he is also recognized for guiding his government’s efforts to preserve Mexico’s biological legacy.