EcoLogic trains forest guards to protect the community forests of Huehuetenago, Guatemala, through patrols and the promotion of community education for sound forest management practices. Through this project EcoLogic is helping conserve and restore forests in microwatershed areas with the goal of preserving biodiversity and protecting water sources.
Huehuetenango has a total of 32,750 acres of community forests that house the highest levels of native plant species in Guatemala. Situated on the northern slope of the Cuchumatanes mountain range, it also contains four watersheds, which comprise about 75% of the area, providing water for over 200,000 people. There is significant pressure on forests from deforestation caused by the local population, illegal loggers, and the advance of the agricultural frontier.
EcoLogic works closely with the local seven municipalities in the Department of Huehuetenango known as the Northern Border Municipalities Alliance (MFN), a coalition of these municipalities initiated by their mayors. The MFN has the greatest remaining forest cover, highest level of indigenous species, and the most important biodiversity of the northern slope of the Cuchumatanes mountain range. Additionally, there are four watersheds that comprise about 75% of the area.
EcoLogic works with poor, rural communities to help them become better environmental stewards in order to save their forests and water and improve their living conditions. We put local people in charge of projects, providing them with the tools they need to sustainably manage their natural resources. To date, EcoLogic has helped over 700 communities in Latin America to improve their well-being and become stewards of their land.
"Now that forest rangers are trained, the community is beginning to regain an understanding of the importance of respecting the forest, the water, and the earth."
- Alejandro Francisco Diego, Forest Ranger
Total Funding Received to Date: $100
Remaining Goal to be Funded: $9,900
Total Funding Goal: $10,000
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