Restore and Protect Forests in Mesoamerica

Dear GlobalGiving Supporters,

As the world’s leaders and other stakeholders converge in Glasgow where the UN climate conference COP26 is taking place--everything is on the line. In the face of the global climate crisis, already-vulnerable rural and Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America are leading the way.

I am proud to work with them day in and day out to support our shared objective to conserve and restore forests in ways that support and improve local livelihoods.

Restoring mangrove ecosystems to support rural communities

Mangrove forests are precious biodiversity hotspots and are essential for human well-being. They provide a habitat to many species: algae, fishes, birds, shellfish, and turtles - to name a few. They can store up to five times more carbon dioxide than an equal area of rainforest. In a nutshell, they are fundamental to fighting climate change and preserving the local ecosystem. In addition, mangroves stabilize shorelines, preventing erosion and protecting the land from storms. They provide rural communities with food and wood used for commercial purposes too. These plants have medicinal properties and can also be used to produce corks, dyes, soap alternatives, synthetic fibers, cosmetics.

With a population of around 4,900 people whose primary economic support is farming and fishing, the Municipality of Livingston has a poverty rate of 90% for its rural population. Working with community members and local partners like MarFund, MAR2R, and APROSARSTUN, our team is providing access to economic alternatives - such as access to forestry incentives and sustainable use of forests - that tackle poverty and deforestation. 

Art for environmental education

Recently, our team organized an art workshop to teach young students the relation between healthy mangrove ecosystems and improved livelihoods. The workshop also focused on how to protect and restore forests by using natural resources sustainably.

Through environment education, we aim to build long-lasting knowledge among youth that can ensure that generations to come also benefit from the resources these forests provide. I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and thank you for your support! We are grateful that you are part of our community and that you have supported us during this journey.

In solidarity,

Mario Ardany de Leon, Program Officer, Guatemala