New wildlife sanctuary declared in Toledo

Yesterday we reported on improvements being made at Punta Negra in Toledo’s Payne’s Creek National Park. Tonight we have news of the creation of a new protected area in that southern district. A statutory instrument was signed today by Minister of Natural Resources, Eduardo Juan, declaring the Aquas Calientes Wildlife Sanctuary. According to a government release, the five thousand, four hundred and ninety two acres of wetlands will be managed in cooperation with the communities around the sanctuary under a plan to be developed jointly with the Forest Department. The area will also be known by its Kekchi Maya name, “Lu Ha”.