# Environmental protection and advocacy in Michoacán

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-protection-and-advocacy-in-michoacn
> Updated: 2026-10-29T20:49:47.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The state of Michoacán has undertaken significant efforts to expand its environmental protections and safeguard those working in the field. The state expanded its State System of Conservation Areas to 212,909 hectares, tripling the forest surface area preserved since 2021. This system covers 74 municipalities through various modalities, including Natural Protected Areas and Voluntary Conservation Areas, to protect biodiversity and hydrological basins.

In conjunction with these conservation efforts, the Michoacán Congress approved a reform to officially recognize environmentalists as human rights defenders. This initiative aims to provide greater protection to activists who face extreme risks in remote areas. Legislators noted that forest defenders often face threats and killings from criminal groups, such as the Los Sierras cartel, while operating in regions with limited communication or media presence.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Michoacán legislature recognizes environmentalists as human rights defenders

Michoacán has approved a reform recognizing environmentalists as human rights defenders to protect those facing violence from criminal groups while defending natural resources.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-legislature-recognizes-environmentalists-as-human-rights-defenders

### 2026-10-19: Michoacán triples forest conservation area to 212,000 hectares

Michoacán has tripled its forest conservation area to over 212,000 hectares across 74 municipalities to protect biodiversity and hydrological basins.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-triples-forest-conservation-area-to-212000-hectares

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Cite as: Environmental protection and advocacy in Michoacán. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-protection-and-advocacy-in-michoacn