The Petenes of the Eastern Restoration Zone of the “El Palmar” State Reserve

Introduction: This study examines the socio-environmental changes that occurred in the coastal system of the State of Yucatán, Mexico, between 1948 and 1991. It emphasizes the significant ecological impact resulting from the permanent connection between the sea and the swamp in the Port of Progreso, particularly in the petenes zone—unique tall mangrove formations sustained by internal freshwater springs. Methods: Between 1991 and 1998, following the creation of the El Palmar State Reserve in 1990 and the establishment of its management board, a series of ecological restoration strategies were implemented. Among these, the dredging of freshwater springs was prioritized as a method to rehabilitate the petenes and promote mangrove dispersal with optimal structural development. Results: During the degradation period, petenes showed annual surface losses of up to 1.29 km², and chaparro mangrove zones experienced losses of 0.82 km² per year. Restoration interventions, particularly the removal of accumulated sediments from the springs, contributed significantly to reversing this trend. By 2020, the petenes in the eastern restoration zone showed considerable regeneration and spatial expansion at a moderate but steady rate. Discussion: The dredging of springs proved essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of petenes, supporting biodiversity and hydrological balance. These results are consistent with regional conservation goals and demonstrate the effectiveness of localized hydrological restoration. Conclusion: The petenes of the El Palmar State Reserve have shown a positive recovery trend due to targeted restoration efforts. The strategy of spring dredging has been instrumental in restoring their ecological function and ensuring long-term resilience.