Natural resources of Veracruz

Thanks to the soil we can cultivate numerous plant species, which constitute our food. In particular, the soils of Veracruz are highly varied, but most of them are fertile and conducive to the cultivation of agricultural species. The main agricultural crops are:

• Corn.
• Sugar cane.
• Coffee.
• Tobacco.
• Beans.

However, as we mentioned in the introduction, the main economic activity is livestock.

The large number of reliefs and landscapes in this region constitute a varied refuge that houses the flora and fauna of Veracruz . Veracruz biodiversity depends precisely on the relief. In short, the most emblematic animal species are:

• Common bale ( Cuniculus paca )
• Tapir ( Tapirus bairdii )
• Jaguarundí or Moorish cat ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi )
• Caribbean manatee ( Trichechus manatus )
• Tacuaches or possums ( Didelphis marsupialis )

In addition, the most characteristic plant species are:

• Maguey ( Agave wendtii )
• Tencho ( Tillandsia botterii )
• Biznaguita ( Mammillaria eriacantha )
• Royal goat leg ( Bauhinia jucunda )
• Lily ( Alophia veracruzana )

Here you can discover more Flora and fauna of Mexico

The fishing resources of Veracruz are diverse, there are more than 621 species of freshwater and saltwater fish. The artisanal fishing is an important economic activity in the region that provides support for the cultural development of many families. On the other hand, the fishing industry is incipient and is beginning to develop.

Here you can learn more about Marine Resources: what they are, types and examples .

A large part of the state of Veracruz is made up of forests, palm groves and mangroves that are the source of numerous timber and non-timber forest resources , such as resins, gum, edible mushrooms and medicinal plants. The most representative forest species in the state are mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla ), firs (genus Abies ) and táscate ( Juniperus deppeana ).

Learn more about them in this other post on Forest Resources: what they are, types and examples .

The state of Veracruz has numerous bodies of water that are the sustenance of the Veracruz populations. Among the most important rivers we can mention: towards the north the Pánuco, Tuxpan, Cazones, Tecolutla and Nautla rivers, in the center of the state the Actopan, Antigua and Jamapa rivers and on the south the Papaloapan and Coatzacoalcos rivers. It also has lagoons of considerable extension such as the Tamiahua Lagoon. All these water resources are essential for the consumption of the population, agriculture, livestock and industries .

Mexico has two regions with high hydrocarbon productivity , one of them is located in the northern part of the state of Veracruz. In fact, the fields in the north of Veracruz have been exploited since the beginning of the last century and the country’s oil boom began there. Today, due to many years of exploitation of these oil fields , only 5% of the national hydrocarbon production is obtained.

To learn more about this natural resource, we advise you to take a look at these other articles about What are fossil fuels and how they were formed and the environmental impact of fossil fuels .

Another of the natural resources of Mexico that is present in Veracruz. The veracruzana mining production constitutes 6.01% of national production. Among the most exploited minerals are: manganese, clay, sulfur, sand, basalt, silica, limestone and more.

We recommend you read this other post about Mineral Resources: what they are, classification, examples and importance .

Veracruz has more than 25 protected areas and all of them can be considered as a potential natural resource . The objective of these areas is to preserve and conserve the great biodiversity of flora and fauna, soils, bodies of water and more elements, which, after all, are the natural resources of the State. In this way, if resources were to run out, protected areas could be used to meet the needs of the next generations. However, we must not go there and, therefore, we have an obligation to make a rational use of natural resources .

Some of the most extensive protected areas in Veracruz are: Archipelago of Forests and Forests of the Capital Region of the State of Veracruz, Archipelago of Interdunary Lagoons of the metropolitan area of ​​the Municipalities of Veracruz and Antigua, Ciénagas, Dunas de San Isidro and Arroyo Moreno .