Save Guatemalan Wildlife and Biodiversity!!!

2026 has begun with renewed energy for ARCAS in the Hawaii Protected Area. Thanks to the constant support of our donor community through GlobalGiving, the “One Health” program model has evolved from theory into a tangible reality that is transforming lives along Guatemala’s South Coast.

Transforming Community and Wildlife Health

Our new facilities and the services provided have marked a turning point in the trust of local communities. We are currently providing an average of 120 consultations per month, totaling more than 480 consultations from January through April 2026. Families who previously had no access to veterinary services are now bringing their domestic animals for preventive medicine and deworming treatments.

Our work does not stop at domestic animals. The wildlife clinic has become a critical refuge in response to this year’s extreme temperatures. We have received and stabilized various birds, reptiles, and sea turtles that arrived dehydrated or injured. Seeing the community become actively engaged in zoonotic disease prevention and environmental health confirms the genuine value families now place on biodiversity conservation.

Education and Mangroves

Education: The 50 children participating in our English classes are not only learning a new language; they are gaining confidence. It is inspiring to witness how this learning experience motivates them to take on leadership roles by actively participating in cleanup campaigns and reforestation activities. The enthusiasm generated by the “Parlama Cup” has left a profound impact: today, we have a youth volunteer network that has become the true guardian of the mangroves.

Mangroves: The 4 hectares we have reforested are showing a very encouraging survival rate, and we have already begun transplanting part of the 10,000 seedlings from our forest nursery. The participation of new families through the “Leaving a Footprint” initiative demonstrates that ecosystem restoration has now become a source of local pride and community identity.

Sustainable Energy and Conservation

The impact of the solar panels installed for the 25 beneficiary families has been truly exciting. The change is tangible: children can now study after dark without relying on candles, while families are experiencing real economic savings by reducing dependence on polluting fuels. The success of this initiative has been so significant that we already have a waiting list of families interested in joining this transition toward clean energy.

Finally, we are very excited about the ongoing maintenance work on the sea turtle hatcheries. As the Pacific nesting season approaches, the logistical coordination with community patrol members is yielding positive results, and soon we will have protected spaces ready to receive nesting sea turtles.

Partnerships for Biodiversity

In 2026, we continue strengthening alliances with volunteers, companies, and partners to reinforce our mission. This collaborative effort allows us to advance restoration, education, and clean energy projects while ensuring a long-term positive impact on Guatemala’s marine-coastal ecosystem and future generations.

Thank you, GlobalGiving, for being part of this effort. Every donation translates into a sea turtle returning to the ocean, a child dreaming of a bilingual future, and a mangrove forest breathing once again.