Fedeal authorities in Mexico have found illegal
avocado cultivation within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the state
of Michoacán.
The reserve,
which extends for 56,259 hectares and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
site, is a protected area and a sanctuary for millions of overwintering Monarch
butterflies.
In April last year, Earthsight reported on the
illegal deforestation of 37 hectares of pine forests in Estado de México, which
neighbours Michoacán, for avocado plantation. In 2016, concerns were
raised about a significant increase in illegal deforestation in Michoacán to
make way for the crop.
The Mexican attorney general’s Office for Environmental
Protection (PROFEPA) claimed then
that 6,000 to 8,000 ha of forests are cleared each year for avocado
plantations, much higher rate than the 1,000 ha of deforestation previously thought to be
taking place.
Last week was the first time that illegal avocado planting
has been found within the
reserve. Previously, illegal deforestation linked to avocado production had
been found in the pine forests bordering the south and west of the reserve.
The pine trees being targeted by
avocado producers provide crucial thermal protection and roosting sites for the
butterflies.
Michoacán produces around 80 percent of Mexico’s avocado
crop. Avocado production and trade has been growing in
recent years, which raises concerns about the future of oak, fir and pine
forests in the state. PROFEPA uncovered a series of illegal plantations
last year.
There have also been concerns that avocado exports from
Michoacán have become a lucrative business for
organised crime as drug cartels extort about £86 million a year from producers.
