Natural Protected Areas in Baja California

By Verónica Meza and Antonieta Valenzuela

In Baja California we can find terrestrial and marine natural areas with high biological richness and environmental value, these areas have different protection categories. Currently there are over 500 natural protected areas in Mexico that represent over 90 million hectares. This is part of the efforts of the federal government through the Commission of Natural Protected Areas, also known as Conanp. 

There are 20 natural protected areas in Baja California in the following categories:

• 3 national parks.
• 2 flora and fauna protection areas.
• 4 biosphere reserves.
• 11 areas voluntarily destined for conservation.

National Parks

• Constitución de 1857, located in Sierra de Juárez. 
• Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. 
• Zona Marina del Archipiélago de San Lorenzo. 

Flora and Fauna Protection Areas

• Valle de los Cirios.
• Islas del Golfo de California.

Biosphere Reserves

• Isla Guadalupe.
• Islas del Pacífico de la Península de Baja California.
• Zona Marina Bahía de los Ángeles, Canales de Ballenas y de Salsipuedes.
• Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Río Colorado.

Areas Voluntarily Destined for Conservation

• Valle Tranquilo Nature Reserve, in El Rosario. Owner: Terra Peninsular.
• Punta Mazo Nature Reserve, in San Quintín. Owner: Terra Peninsular.
• Monte Ceniza Nature Reserve, in San Quintín. Owner: Terra Peninsular.
• Los Montes de San Pedro I, II y III, en la Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. Owner: Los Montes family.
• Costa Salvaje WildLands I, II, III y IV. Owner: Costa Salvaje.
• San Quintin Nature Reserve, in San Quintin. Owner: Baja California State Government.