Restore and Protect Forests in Mesoamerica

Dear GlobalGiving Supporters,

Thanks to your continued support, forest conservation in the highlands of Totonicapán, Guatemala, is being driven forward by the communities who call it home. Together with our local partners, we are advancing an integrated approach that protects ecosystems, sustains livelihoods, and uplifts ancestral knowledge.

Guardians of 11,200 Hectares of Forest

Community governance is at the center of efforts to safeguard 11,200 hectares of communal conifer forest—home to native biodiversity and over 1,200 freshwater springs that provide clean water to nearly 160,000 people. Regular monitoring supports and strengthens long-term forest stewardship.

To restore degraded areas, over the last year, 108,088 native tree seedlings were distributed, and 223 hectares of land were reforested, contributing to climate resilience and ecosystem recovery.

Preventing Wildfires and Illegal Logging

A community firefighting brigade was trained and equipped, while inter-agency coordination meetings led to a joint action plan against illegal logging. Three greenhouses were also rehabilitated to boost native tree production, and residents learned techniques for natural forest regeneration. As wildfire risks grow due to climate change, a public awareness campaign reached over 10,000 people across Facebook, TikTok, and local TV, promoting fire prevention and collective responsibility. 

Advancing Sustainable Livelihoods

To reduce deforestation and improve health, 300 fuel-efficient Justa Chapina stoves were constructed in four communities, cutting firewood use in half. Over 300 families participated in workshops to learn clean cooking practices, while two local builders were trained and employed, creating green jobs and local expertise.

Thirteen pinabete plantations also received tools and technical support, offering families sustainable income through the careful cultivation of this culturally important native species.

Elevating Women and Youth as Conservation Leaders

In a powerful show of intergenerational and gender-inclusive leadership, 45 women were trained in traditional governance and biodiversity preservation, including a peer exchange with women in Cajolá focused on native seed collection.

Meanwhile, 80 youth completed a diploma program on human rights, civic leadership, and environmental resilience, preparing them to be the next generation of forest guardians. A vibrant communications campaign shared their stories and strategies across radio, TV, and social media.

Your generosity helps make this possible. Together, we are protecting one of Mesoamerica’s most important forests while strengthening the knowledge, traditions, and institutions that sustain it for generations to come.

If you would like more information on any of the areas mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at mdleon@ecologic.org. 

In solidarity,

Mario Ardany de Leon, Program Officer, Guatemala