By Mario Ardany de Leon | EcoLogic Program Officer, Guatemala
Dear GlobalGiving supporters,
First of all, I hope you are staying safe and healthy! The world has certainly changed since the last time I was in touch.
Just like most countries around the world, Guatemala is feeling the effects of COVID-19. Since mid-March, the population has been under orders to practice social distancing, stay at home as much as possible, and follow safety protocols. At EcoLogic, our priority is to keep our staff and communities protected and we have been observing these guidelines. So far, the number of COVID-19 cases have remained relatively low and have concentrated mostly in urban centers, but the trend continues to be a rising number of cases. The communities where we work remain vigilant, practicing social distancing, and keeping outsiders from coming into their villages.
However, our work hasn’t stopped over that time. Our technical staff has been providing ongoing information and technical support over cell phones. On a strategic basis, they have also supported the implementation of activities such as the recent reforestation campaign in Totonicapán.
In early June our partner, the Natural Resource Council of the 48 Cantons of Totonicapán organized the campaign to distribute 150,000 seedlings grown in the greenhouses to community groups, schools, and others in order to plant the trees that were ready to go. This was all done following safety protocols and wearing masks. The reforestation sites were prioritized based on the degree of degradation and importance to water source protection. “A Healthy Planet for the Health of Humanity” was this year’s slogan.
"We know that we have many generations ahead and we want to leave a better world for all those people who come after us." These were the wise words of Reina, Delegate of the Nimapá Canton of the 48 Cantons during the reforestation campaign. We also collaborated with community journalist Leopoldo to document the process in this video and article.
We are extremely grateful for your partnership in supporting this community-based project in support of conservation and self-sufficiency. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and keeping you updated on progress made as we navigate these uncertain times.
In solidarity,
Mario Ardany de León
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