During the inaugural event, Alhely Rubio Arronis, head of the Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development of the State of Mexico, emphasized human responsibility in the conservation of monarch butterflies, highlighting the crucial role of the State of Mexico as a temporary refuge for these beautiful creatures.
To ensure the protection of the butterflies and their habitat, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) invites visitors to follow certain recommendations. Among them are to respect the trails and the indications of local guides, not to enter with food, alcoholic beverages, weapons, pets, or sharp objects, as well as to avoid actions such as smoking, lighting campfires, littering, and not extracting plants, animals, fungi, or elements from the forest.
During the observation of monarch butterflies, it is emphasized to remain silent, not to use flash when taking photographs, not to touch or take butterflies, limit the stay to 18 minutes, and refrain from using sanitizers or antibacterial gel near the colonies. These measures aim to protect the butterflies and their environment to ensure their preservation.
The visiting season to the monarch butterfly sanctuaries will take place from November 15, 2024, to March 31, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official opening took place at the El Rosario Sanctuary, in the municipality of Ocampo, Michoacán. The importance of protecting the forests that serve as a refuge for the butterflies after their long journey from Canada and the United States was highlighted by Conanp.
Among the places open to the public are El Rosario and Sierra Chincuac in Michoacán, as well as Piedra Herrada in the State of Mexico. These sanctuaries witness the unique natural phenomenon that constitutes the migration of monarch butterflies, a journey that makes them a symbol of strength and resilience in the animal kingdom.
The sanctuaries of monarch butterflies are ready to welcome tourists, who are invited to follow all established rules and responsibly enjoy this unparalleled natural spectacle. Conservation efforts are reinforced by the collaboration of visitors and authorities in protecting the wonderful monarch butterflies.
