With regard to the certification of forest products, Mexico has drawn up legal requirements in its forest legislation for the sustainable management of harvested forest resources. The official position regarding certification is that this should be a voluntary process to add value to forest products in specific markets. Mexico has an estimated 22 million hectares with timber production potential. Temperate forests, rainforests and other areas with natural vegetation are important to society as they provide key environmental assets and services, such as carbon sequestration, watershed conservation, tourism and recreation, potential pharmaceutical and food products, and genetic resources. However, this contribution needs to be acknowledged and taken into account.
Recreational tourism needs to be developed in forest areas with such potential.
There are currently 35 ecotourism projects in operation raising significant annual income from 2.3 million visitors. This gave the country invaluable insight into forest issues of high international relevance.