Joann Andrews, founder of Pronatura Península de Yucatán and a leading force in conservation across the Yucatán Peninsula for more than four decades, died Sunday in Mérida. She was 96.
Andrews arrived in Yucatán in 1964 after marrying archaeologist E. Wyllys Andrews IV. After his death from cancer in 1971, she chose to stay in Mexico with their six children rather than return to the United States. That decision proved pivotal for the region’s environmental future.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut on January 10, 1929, Andrews graduated from Columbia University in 1951 with a degree in political science. She later earned a master’s degree in international economics from Johns Hopkins University before joining the U.S. diplomatic service, spending a decade working across Africa.
From 1968 to 1973, Andrews directed the logistics office for Tulane University’s Middle American Research Institute in Mérida, supporting archaeological operations throughout the Peninsula. She later worked as a researcher at the university’s Mesoamerican Ecology Institute in Louisiana from 1974.
In 1985, Andrews shifted her focus entirely to environmental work. Two years later, she co-founded Pronatura Península de Yucatán, which would become one of Mexico’s most influential conservation organizations. The group works across the three states of the Peninsula to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable community development.
Her work ranged from protecting sea turtles to studying orchids in archaeological sites. In 2001, scientists named a newly identified orchid species Lophiaris andrewsiae in her honor. She published several works on the Peninsula’s native orchids, including “Listado preliminar y notas sobre la Historia natural de las Orquídeas en la Península de Yucatán” with Efraín Gutiérrez.
Andrews helped establish the Toh Bird Festival in 2002, bringing together government officials, scientists, and private sector partners. The festival has run for 23 years and positioned Yucatán as a premier birdwatching destination. The state now accounts for 48% of all birdwatchers in Mexico.
Her conservation vision extended to the vast forests of the southern Peninsula. In the late 1980s, she traveled to Florida to raise $25,000 for protecting tropical rainforest in what became the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
She served on numerous boards, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Patronato Pro Historia Peninsular, and the Benjamin Franklin Institute in Mérida. She was also an active member of the New York Academy of Sciences and the Mexican Orchid Association.
In 2019, she received the first Presea Prohispen award for her contributions to regional history and culture.
Andrews remained active in conservation work into her 90s. In a 2019 interview, she emphasized the importance of engaging young people in environmental work. “We work with children, because they really love the environment,” she said. “There is more work when you want to convince the old people.”
Her legacy extends beyond organizational structures. Andrews demonstrated how conservation efforts could support rather than conflict with local economic development, integrating ecotourism and sustainable agriculture into Pronatura’s programs.
The Maya Forest that Andrews worked to protect remains under pressure from development. But the institutions and partnerships she built continue working to balance conservation with community needs across the Peninsula.
Andrews is survived by six children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a sister. Her body was immediately cremated.
About Joann Andrews
Born January 10, 1929 in New Haven, Connecticut
Graduated from Columbia University (1951) with degree in political science
Master’s degree in international economics from Johns Hopkins University
U.S. diplomat in Africa for 10 years
Founded Pronatura Península de Yucatán in 1987
Created Toh Bird Festival in 2002
Orchid species Lophiaris andrewsiae named in her honor (2001)
U.S. Consulate lobby in Mérida named after her
Died December 22, 2025 in Mérida at age 96
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