some history

TThe "Komchén de los Pájaros" Private Protected Area is the product of the dream of a nature-loving woman, Ana María Palos de Foronda, who invested her patrimony, a large part of her life, effort and love, in maintaining under protection for 30 years a number of hectares within the Lower Deciduous Forest of Yucatán, taking care of this important property that is part of a threatened ecosystem.
During the nineties her original land was divided by the highway that now exists, "libramiento Dzemul-Xtampu" and from the narrow strip of land that was left on one side of the highway, Ana María demarcated it, providing members of her family and a group of nature-loving friends with a plot of one hectare each. Offering these environmentally conscious people the opportunity to live in the buffer zone of the Komchén de los Pájaros Private Protected Area, taking an active part in the conservation of native species and the ecosystems that surround them for their enjoyment.

Although these people are private owners, they have agreed to comply with a regulation that, among other restrictions, states that:
Constructions must be environmentally friendly and not adversely affect the flora and when it is necessary to remove some trees for the construction of a house, new ones must be planted so that the total tree mass is not affected. The construction plans must be approved by the board of owners. The use of the plots is residential. In the event that an owner decides to use it for commercial purposes, the project must be environmentally friendly and not be a nuisance to neighbors. The fences that limit the plots should not exceed 1 m in height so as not to impede the movement of the terrestrial species that inhabit the area. The use of dry composting toilets is recommended, but not obligatory, as well as the treatment of waste by the same system. Septic tanks are not prohibited as long as they are designed and constructed according to specifications so as not to contaminate the superficial groundwater system. Organic waste must be deposited in the designated composting area. Community residents are invited to participate in recycling. Each resident must take recyclable materials to the agreed-upon waste collection area. The installation of family-sized ponds and pools is acceptable provided that no excessive logging is necessary.

The dwelling house must not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total plot (eg in a plot of 10,000 square meters, the building must not exceed 1000 square meters). Those proportions will include porches, balconies, or patios. It is desirable that the exterior colors of the houses can merge with the natural environment and harmonize with the environment. Exterior lighting should not interfere or disturb other residents and especially wildlife. Companion animals are welcome, recommending that there be control over them so that they do not cause inconvenience to other residents or constitute a danger to wildlife.

The private lands mentioned above act as a buffer and surveillance area for the most preserved area and are represented in yellow on the functional zoning map:

Her infinite love for nature means that since those nineties, Ana María made the decision that the rest of the 246 hectares that were separated by the aforementioned road (marked with red borders on the zoning map for a 81 % of the land) were not sold or given away, but would be strictly destined for conservation, without ever being used for other purposes, even when it did not exist. His greatest dream has been to turn these properties into a natural laboratory of biodiversity and establish actions for the conservation of the biodiversity they house.

In November 2019, after a long process of inquiries and attempts to find a legal form that would guarantee his will, in relation to his wish that these lands could never be sold, the legal donation of 246 hectares to an organization was produced. Yucatecan civil society object, Caribbean of Ecosystem Conservations and informative name Caribbean Coast Conservancy AC. with the acronym (CCC) who will coordinate and manage said Private Conservation Area, accompanied by an expanded council chaired by Ana María herself, some members of her family and some of her friends. Four people are members of the narrow board of directors, made up of the constituent members of the Civil Association, Caribbean Coast Conservancy AC. CCC and that are part of its legal structure. Ana María holds the position of Honorary President

Since then, CCC has established a process of approach to nearby communities and a close collaboration with local and foreign Research Institutions. A constant and systematic work of studies begins to know the biodiversity of these properties, and thus be able to prepare the document that supports the petition that would be presented to SEMARNAT, to request the category of Private Protected Area Voluntarily Destined for Conservation (APDVC) , in perpetuity.

At this moment the AP is destined to the study of the faunal and floristic composition of the Selva Baja ecosystem, with the formal collaboration and under the scientific direction of researchers belonging to different prestigious peninsular institutions such as; the CICY, ECOSUR, UAC, IT-CHINÁ, UADY, the Yucatan Science Park and some foreign universities such as Western Colorado University.

Ana María's dream has begun to be a reality and there are many friends, volunteers and scientists who love the conservation of the biodiversity of this peninsula, who visit us today with the aim of investigating in a great natural laboratory that is available to everyone. and while they do so, enjoy the modest facilities it has and most importantly, the peace, tranquility and great love that is breathed.

Ana María is aware of every detail, discovery, news or experience of what happens daily in Konchén de los Pajaros, her beloved land, the one that she altruistically made available to so many dreamers like her to conserve the biodiversity of Yucatán.

But no one better than Ana María herself, to tell her story, which is why we leave you with this home video, in which the clarity of her ideas can be seen on dates when conservation was not yet talked about as forcefully as today, her humility and passion for nature, which he maintains to date. She is more than the inspiring and founder of this Protected Area, she is to this day its driving force and guide.