Flying over vast areas of tropical forests — over two million hectares, or one-fifth of Guatemala’s territory — reveals a breathtaking landscape: natural ecosystems essential to the country’s flora and fauna, along with archaeological sites that represent icons of the Maya civilization. This region, known as the Maya Biosphere Reserve, is a true natural treasure.
However, the reserve faces increasing threats, including illegal deforestation, unregulated agricultural expansion, and the effects of climate change. To address these challenges, the government, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector have united efforts to protect and conserve this invaluable ecosystem.
A Long-term Commitment
Understanding the importance of protecting the Maya Biosphere, AgroAmérica decided to join conservation efforts, demonstrating how companies can play a key role in environmental protection. By integrating sustainability practices into our business model, we aim not only to contribute to the well-being of local communities but also to preserve one of Central America’s most vital ecosystems for future generations.
International Biosphere Reserves: Their Role and Importance
Biosphere reserves are territories that combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and are designed to protect both ecosystems and the communities living within them. November 3 marks the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, a reminder of the invaluable contribution these spaces make to biodiversity and the planet’s ecological balance.
The Maya Biosphere Reserve: A Natural Treasure
Located in northern Guatemala, the Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Central America and home to unique biodiversity. It houses many species of flora and fauna, including emblematic species like the jaguar, Central American tapir, various species of monkeys, and exotic birds. Furthermore, the reserve is a culturally significant area, with numerous Maya archaeological sites that contribute to its natural and cultural heritage.
AgroAmérica’s Commitment to the Maya Biosphere Reserve
As part of its sustainability approach, AgroAmérica is committed to biodiversity and ecosystem protection. Our contribution to the conservation of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, in alliance with various organizations, focuses on several key areas:
Reforestation and Habitat Protection: AgroAmérica has led reforestation projects near the Maya Biosphere Reserve, restoring ecosystems degraded by human activity. These efforts help protect biological corridors essential for local wildlife, allowing species like jaguars and tapirs to move freely between protected areas.
Release of Scarlet Macaws: Thanks to support from AgroAmérica, Wildlife Conservation Society, Fundación Solidaridad Latinoamericana, CONAP, and other organizations, 26 scarlet macaws were released in the reserve. This initiative has increased the population of this species within the reserve, which is estimated to have over 300 macaws today.
Conservation of Over 19,000 Hectares: Several years ago, AgroAmérica signed a collaboration agreement with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Fundación Solidaridad Latinoamericana to strengthen the Guatemalan Protected Areas System (SIGAP) through pilot projects, in line with strategies established by CONAP and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The agreement primarily focuses on the monitoring and conservation of 19,000 hectares in the Laguna del Tigre National Park, supporting the preservation of endangered species such as the scarlet macaw, jaguar, white-lipped peccary, tapir, and the white turtle.
Community Education and Empowerment: One of the most important aspects of biosphere reserve conservation is involving local communities. Implementing environmental education programs in communities near the reserve has been essential, promoting the importance of conservation and the sustainable use of resources. By empowering those who live in the region, awareness grows about preserving ecosystems and the need to protect them for future generations.
Key Partnerships in This Project
Some of the key partnerships involved in this project include:
Rainforest Alliance: This international organization is dedicated to biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. AgroAmérica has worked with Rainforest Alliance to certify its agricultural practices, ensuring responsible operations that contribute to ecosystem protection, including the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
CONAP (National Council of Protected Areas): This Guatemalan governmental agency is responsible for managing and protecting the country’s natural areas, including biosphere reserves. AgroAmérica has worked with CONAP to develop biodiversity conservation and monitoring strategies within the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund): Although not directly involved in all projects, AgroAmérica has collaborated on sustainability and conservation programs compatible with WWF’s initiatives, a globally recognized organization for its work in endangered species preservation and critical ecosystem protection, such as Guatemala’s rainforests.
Fundación Solidaridad Latinoamericana: This non-profit organization focuses on sustainable development and environmental protection projects across Latin America. Through its collaborations with AgroAmérica, it supports biodiversity conservation initiatives and promotes sustainable practices in agricultural production, contributing to the resilience of ecosystems.
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Guatemala (MARN): MARN is Guatemala’s governmental entity responsible for developing and implementing environmental conservation policies in the country. It collaborates with companies and organizations to implement projects that strengthen natural area protection, ensuring regulation and supervision of activities for the sustainability of protected areas like the Maya Biosphere Reserve under the Guatemalan Protected Areas System (SIGAP).
FUNDAECO (Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation): FUNDAECO is a Guatemalan NGO working on natural area protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable local community development. AgroAmérica has partnered with FUNDAECO to promote regional biodiversity conservation and to implement reforestation and habitat restoration projects.
Conservation Technical Committees and Policies
AgroAmérica also maintains zero deforestation and zero waste policies and actively participates in technical committees focused on mangrove conservation, soil protection, and water resource preservation.
Reflecting on the importance of protecting these areas and recognizing the efforts of those committed to conservation and sustainable development is crucial. Biodiversity and natural resource preservation are shared responsibilities that ensure a more prosperous, balanced future for our planet.