It is declared a Protected Natural Area, with the character of Biosphere Reserve, the area known as Ria Lagartos, located in the municipalities of San Felipe, Rio Lagartos and Tizimin, in the state of Yucatan. The area is integrated by a polygon corresponding to the buffer zone, within which are located six core zones named San Felipe-Rio Lagartos, Tular-Petenes, Peten Tucha, Emmaly Lagunas Miramar, La Cuenca del Cuyo, Punta Meco, Cancunito-Holchi. 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 May 21, 1999 in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
Natural Protected Area for the conservation of biodiversity with International Designation: RAMSAR site with registration number 332 and MaB in 2004.