The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) has published the new Official List of Wildlife Species that are Endangered or at Risk of Extinction, in the Official Gazette on October 18, 2023, under agreement number 257. This regulation is based on a series of legal provisions, mainly on the Law on the Environment and the Law on the Conservation of Wildlife, as well as on the Constitution of the Republic, which establish the State’s obligation to protect natural resources and biological diversity, as well as the duty to ensure the conservation of threatened or endangered species. The new list repeals Agreement No. 74 dated March 23, 2015, which contained the Official List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species. 

Biodiversity conservation is essential to maintain the health of ecosystems and ensure the well-being of present and future generations. The identification and protection of endangered species is essential to preserve biodiversity. By issuing and updating this list, El Salvador complies with international agreements and treaties related to wildlife conservation, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. The listing prioritizes the conservation of species in their natural habitat, which is critical to ensure their long-term survival. The responsibility to protect wildlife does not lie solely with the state, but also involves society as a whole. 

MARN has the responsibility to keep the official list of wildlife species updated, in order to clearly classify those that will be considered as endangered or endangered species. The importance of this list, which includes species of both flora and fauna, for the purposes of the development of activities, works or projects; is that the environmental assessment must analyze the existence or affectation of these species, which could lead to the implementation of strict protection or restoration measures.  

Updating the list, also ensures that changes in the status of species and their habitats are being reflected. This allows more effective management of trade conservation and regulation actions. The distribution of responsibilities among different state institutions, such as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock mentioned in the agreement, seeks comprehensive management of wildlife conservation and trade. 

The Official List of Wildlife Species that are Endangered or at Risk of Extinction is not only a registry of names, but an instrument that promotes the conservation, protection, and sustainable use of wildlife in El Salvador. Its importance lies in the contribution to the preservation of biodiversity, the fulfilment of international obligations and the promotion of public awareness of the need to protect our natural environment.