Ecological Reserves and National Parks

Ecological Reserves

An ecological reserve is a natural area, either virgin or semi-virgin, where numerous animal and plant species coexist alongside abiotic factors such as water, soil, and sunlight. The role of an ecological reserve is to protect a natural area in its current state to maintain its unmodified condition. Many ecological reserves exist worldwide, including Shark Island in Sonora, Calakmul in Quintana Roo, and the Centla Swamps biosphere reserve in Tabasco, among others.

National Parks and Nature Reserves

National parks and nature reserves are areas selected by governments or private organizations for special protection against deterioration and environmental degradation. Selection criteria vary, encompassing natural beauty, scientific interest, habitat preservation for protected or endangered species, and cultural heritage considerations. In some cases, the need for public recreational spaces is also considered.

National Parks Today

Currently, many parks expand beyond their original conservation and recreation purposes to include the protection of threatened flora and fauna and the promotion of scientific research. These areas also function as nature reserves, a term designating various protected areas for conserving rare animal species, flora, and the environment as a whole.

UNESCO and Environmental Support

UNESCO, UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) support and finance national parks and nature reserves designated as World Heritage Sites in both developed and developing countries.

Water Pollution

Water pollution affects our natural resources in many ways. Water pollutants are substances that prevent water from being used for its intended purpose. These pollutants can be classified by their nature:

• a) Physical contaminants
• b) Chemical contaminants
• c) Biological contaminants

Often, the smell, taste, or appearance of water indicates contamination. However, sometimes contamination is undetectable without specific chemical and microbiological tests that reveal the presence of dangerous chemical or biological pollutants. Human selfishness, ignorance, and negligence have led to a drastic decline in water quality. Almost all surface water is contaminated, and, alarmingly, the same is starting to occur with groundwater.

Environmental Degradation

Pollution is an undesirable change in the air, water, soil, and food that causes severe harm to human and animal health and deteriorates our environment. In recent years, the relationship between humanity and the environment has become disharmonious and irresponsible, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. Rapid industrial development and increasing population have resulted in waste accumulation and materials that progressively deteriorate the environment.