Congress has declared the Guatemalan Mayan archeological sites of Yaxhá, Nakum and Naranjo protected areas. Located in the northern department of El Petén, bordering Mexico, they are frequent targets for looters and vandals. The sites are being protected because “they represent a legacy of the Mayan civilizations and a valuable inheritance for the country, one with enormous educational value,” says the decree that the Guatemalan lawmakers approved on Oct. 28.

The protected area covers 37,160 hectares and will provide opportunities for sustainable development through the creation of jobs, environmental education, scientific research and controlled eco-tourism.