Usumacinta

The Usumacinta River is a major river in southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala. It flows through Chiapas and the Petén region, and for a stretch forms part of the border between Mexico and Guatemala before emptying into the Gulf of Honduras. The river system is among the longest in Central America and carries a large seasonal discharge. Its basin covers highland Guatemalan and lowland Chiapas landscapes, including parts of the Lacandon Jungle, and is fed by numerous tributaries.

Ecology and environment: The Usumacinta basin lies within tropical rainforest and supports high biodiversity, with many fish, reptile, and bird species. Floodplains and wetlands provide habitat and support agriculture and fisheries for local communities. The river and its floodplain are also important for sediment transport and nutrient cycles in the region.

Cultural and historical significance: The Usumacinta Valley was a core area of the Maya civilization. Major archaeological sites along the river include Yaxchilán (Mexico) and Piedras Negras (Guatemala), with Bonampak nearby. The river functioned as a transportation route and political boundary in the Classic period and continues to influence archaeology, heritage, and tourism.

Human use and issues: The basin has experienced deforestation, land-use change, and hydroelectric development, which affect flows, fisheries, and livelihoods. Transboundary cooperation between Mexico and Guatemala addresses water-resource management and conservation, with protected areas such as Montes Azules in Mexico and the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala.