Puerto Vallarta Moves Forward with Urban Forest Network Project

Puerto Vallarta Moves Forward with Urban Forest Network Project

The City of Puerto Vallarta is pushing ahead with plans to create a “Network of Urban Forests,” a major environmental initiative aimed at protecting green spaces and promoting ecotourism. City officials are hoping to secure support and funding from the Government of the State of Jalisco to bring the project to life.

Late last year, the local government took a big step by officially designating several forested areas as Municipal Natural Protected Areas. These include the green hills of El Caloso, Buenos Aires, Gastronómicos, Benito Juárez, Las Peñas, and Agua Azul. Authorities believe there are more valuable ecosystems that could be included in the network, such as the estuaries of Boca Negra and El Salado, the archaeological park of Ixtapa, the linear park of El Pitillal, the Río Cuale Island, and the jungle of Palo María.

The proposed network takes inspiration from a similar project in Guadalajara’s metropolitan area. Local officials see it as a viable and necessary plan to protect natural spaces, especially areas like the Estero El Salado, which already receives attention from the state government. The idea is to form strong partnerships between the municipal and state governments to ensure proper operation, protection, and maintenance of these natural zones.

Currently, four urban parks—Agua Azul, Benito Juárez, Buenos Aires, and Las Antenas—have already been declared Natural Protected Areas. Covering a total of 66 hectares, these parks now require a formal management plan and operational guidelines to regulate activities and develop their potential as ecotourism attractions.

City officials, including experts in urban green space conservation, are working closely to make the Urban Forest Network a reality. The project is seen as a high priority and a step forward for Puerto Vallarta’s sustainable development and environmental stewardship.