It is declared a Protected Natural Area, with the character of Biosphere Reserve, the area known as Banco Chinchorro, located in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco, in the state of Quintana Roo. The area is composed of a polygon corresponding to the buffer zone, within which are located three core zones called Core Zone Cayo Norte, Core Zone Cayo Centro and Core Zone Cayo Lobos. These areas are considered fragile and sensitive environmental systems, therefore the general public must abide by the provisions of the respective Management Program and the provisions contained in the Decree published on July 19, 1996 in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
Natural Protected Area for the conservation of biodiversity with International Designation: RAMSAR site with registration number 1353; MaB in the year 2003.