https://guatemala.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Guatemala 60 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25546/New-generation-of-Olive-Ridley-Sea-Turtles-hatches-in-Tecojate.aspx#Comments 0 https://guatemala.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=8784&ModuleID=18444&ArticleID=25546 https://guatemala.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25546&PortalID=115&TabID=8784 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25546/New-generation-of-Olive-Ridley-Sea-Turtles-hatches-in-Tecojate.aspx On the beaches of Guatemala’s Pacific coast, a new generation of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) began their journey to the ocean, marking the renewal of life for this threatened species that plays a key role in coastal ecosystems.  Novelo, Claudia Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25546 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25396/Innovation-and-traditional-knowledge-unite-for-the-Great-Forests-of-Mesoamerica.aspx#Comments 0 https://guatemala.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=8784&ModuleID=18444&ArticleID=25396 https://guatemala.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25396&PortalID=115&TabID=8784 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25396/Innovation-and-traditional-knowledge-unite-for-the-Great-Forests-of-Mesoamerica.aspx Representatives from community and Indigenous organizations across Mesoamerica gathered in Petén, Guatemala, from October 8 to 10, to share experiences and results from the EU DeSIRA project: The Five Great Forests of Mesoamerica, an initiative for climate, biodiversity, and people.  Novelo, Claudia Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25396 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24809/Artificial-watering-holes-in-critical-areas-of-the-Maya-Forest.aspx#Comments 0 https://guatemala.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=8784&ModuleID=18444&ArticleID=24809 https://guatemala.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24809&PortalID=115&TabID=8784 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24809/Artificial-watering-holes-in-critical-areas-of-the-Maya-Forest.aspx Climate change has intensified drought periods across the Mesoamerican region, severely affecting local ecosystems. In northern Guatemala, in protected areas such as Laguna del Tigre National Park and Mirador-Río Azul National Park, water scarcity is having a direct impact on wildlife. “During the dry season, many natural watering holes dry up completely. This significantly reduces the chances of survival for many species,” explains Rony García-Anleu, director of the Biological Research Department for the Guatemala Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).  To address this issue, artificial watering holes have been installed at key locations in protected areas within both parks. Built with durable materials to withstand the harsh jungle conditions, they are placed in areas critical for wildlife, taking into account the logistical challenges of transporting water to such remote locations.  Still used during the rainy season  Although these structures were originally designed to mitigate the effects of drought, many species have been documented using them even during the rainy season. This suggests that access to water remains limited in some areas, or that the artificial watering holes have become integrated into the animals’ habitual landscape—underscoring their long-term value as a conservation tool.  To assess their effectiveness, all artificial watering holes are monitored using camera traps. The images captured show a high diversity of visitors: Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) cooling off, troops of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) approaching cautiously, pumas (Puma concolor) prowling quietly, jaguars (Panthera onca) patrolling the area, and even the majestic king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) descending to drink. Other elusive species such as margays (Leopardus wiedii) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have also been recorded.  These records provide valuable insights into wildlife behavior under water-stress conditions and how animals respond to practical, science-based conservation interventions.  Artificial watering holes are not a permanent solution, but they do offer critical relief for numerous species during vulnerable moments. This strategy is part of an adaptive conservation approach and highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity in the face of shifting climate dynamics.  This measure was implemented by the Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO), the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), and the Center for Conservation Studies of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (CECON-USAC) in Mirador-Río Azul National Park and the Naachtun-Dos Lagunas Biotope, and by WCS with the support of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Laguna del Tigre National Park.  Collaboration has been key to making these efforts possible, reaffirming the shared commitment to protecting the Maya Forest—one of the most important tropical forests in the Americas.  Novelo, Claudia Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24809 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21626/Without-our-forests-we-are-nothing-The-Maya-Biosphere-Reserve-is-reborn-after-years-of-invasions-by-illegal-cattle-ranchers.aspx#Comments 0 https://guatemala.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=8784&ModuleID=18444&ArticleID=21626 https://guatemala.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21626&PortalID=115&TabID=8784 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21626/Without-our-forests-we-are-nothing-The-Maya-Biosphere-Reserve-is-reborn-after-years-of-invasions-by-illegal-cattle-ranchers.aspx "Once, this place was a thriving forest, with xate, guano, macaws, and an abundance of life. But regrettably, there were individuals who didn't consider the consequences of their actions and began to despoil it, transforming it into cattle pastures," laments Sabino Véliz Morales, as he endeavors to uproot invasive fern from an illegal pasture. "If we can't get rid of this stubborn grass – and it's not just a little, it's a lot – reforestation efforts will face significant challenges," he observes. Nevertheless, Sabino remains hopeful and envisions a future where, in a few years' time, he might even harvest allspice. Left photo:Illegal cattle ranching installed in the buffer Zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Right photo: César Paz of the WCS Guatemala Program holds an invasive fern, known as "chispa" (Pteridium aquilinum), a species that normally grows in degraded soils. Situated within the Multiple Use Zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), this site under restoration bears the name of "La Colorada" Management Unit. For Sabino, who leads a dedicated team of over 10 individuals camping at this location, a typical workday entails preparing the soil for the cultivation of ramón seedlings (Brosimum alicastrum), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), and cericote (Cordia duodecandra) for reforestation purposes. Simultaneously, they tackle the relentless spread of grass that hinders the growth of other species. Currently, these management efforts span six additional sites, covering a total of 428 hectares, through a collaborative partnership between WCS, the National Council of Protected Natural Areas (CONAP), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food (MAGA), Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP), Nature for Life Foundation, Rainforest Alliance, and more.  Photo: Sabino Véliz Morales, manager of the “La Colorada” nursery, an area in the process of restoration in the Maya Biosphere Reserve of Guatemala. According to the ¨Human Footprint Analysis”, developed by WCS, the Selva Maya lost 33% of its forest cover, equivalent to 18 thousand hectares, between 2000 and 2020. The primary threat responsible for this degradation is extensive cattle ranching, although other threats, such as illegal land encroachment, poaching, wildlife trafficking, forest fires, and oil extraction, persist. However, it is crucial to note that illegal cattle ranching stands out as the most pernicious and destructive form of land use. An investigation into the smuggling of cattle ranching from Central America to Mexico, carried out by InSight Crime can be consulted here. The Maya Biosphere Reserve, sprawling across 2 million hectares in Guatemala, shares its boundaries with Campeche to the north, Tabasco to the northeast, and Chiapas to the west, running alongside the Usumacinta River. To the east, it adjoins Belize, and its entire southern periphery is encompassed within the territory of Petén. Presently, the reserve is demarcated into three principal zones: 1. Core Zones (ZN): Comprising five National Parks and four Protected Biotopes, these areas collectively occupy 39% of the reserve. 2. Multiple Use Zone (ZUM): Encompassing 38% of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. 3. Buffer Zone (ZAM): This zone forms a 15-kilometer wide swath along the southern border of the Reserve. Map: Forest loss from 2000 to 2020 in the Selva Maya of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Source: WCS 2022. Since the decree that established the Reserve in 1990, multiple collective conservation and management efforts have been developed, such as the case of the Selva Maya del Norte, which is an organization dedicated to processes of restoration and reforestation. "We focus on the forest; we have the capacity, and that's why we're fighting for these areas, because there is life here, whether it's jaguars, deer, tapirs, various species of birds... corozo, cedar, mahogany, and all of that is a great wealth," shares Eduardo Francisco Acosta Chatá, President of the organization. Left photo: Francisco Acosta Chatá, president of Selva Maya del Norte. Right photo: Archaeological site of Tikal.Photo:Jaguar (Panthera onca) capproved in the RBM of Guatemala by WCS Guatemala THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE MANAGEMENT, USE AND PROTECTION OF FORESTS In 2013, the population within the Maya Biosphere Reserve (RBM) numbered 175,000 inhabitants. Among them, approximately 160,000 residents were distributed across an estimated 192 communities, predominantly comprising members of the Maya Itza', Maya Q'echi', and around 40 families belonging to the Maya Mopan group. The preservation of the forest is intrinsically linked to the sustainable resource management practices of Indigenous communities who have nurtured and shaped these lands for millennia. As Carlos Camacho Nassar, a geographer and specialist in environmental conflicts and Indigenous rights, highlights in his recent report titled "Indigenous Territories and Communities in the 5 Great Forests of Mesoamerica,". These territories serve as testament to the fact that the forest is not a natural, virgin, or untouched entity. Instead, it stands as a product of human social production, shedding light on the extent of Maya ancestral lands. Within the Selva Maya, which is shared by Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico, the presence and distribution of tree species such as ramón and sapodilla provide tangible evidence of the cultural transformation of the environment. They serve as markers of Indigenous management practices that have endured since the initial human occupation of the continent. Across Mesoamerica, Indigenous lands and territories have been acknowledged through various legal mechanisms. In Guatemala, the forest concession model, established in 1994 and granted for a period of 25 years, presents an opportunity for organized communities residing within the MBR to exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities concerning the use and stewardship of natural resources. This model delivers direct environmental, economic, and social benefits to these communities. Marcedonio Cortave, general director of the Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP) recognizes that initially, the lack of credibility and technical, administrative, and economic capabilities represented an obstacle for the communities to obtain these concessions. "Nonetheless, scientific studies now unequivocally demonstrate that forest management can provide sustainable benefits to a significantly larger population," Marcedonio asserts in an interview. Data from the report Systematization of Community Forest Management of Petén, coordinated by ACOFOP, confirms that in the 9 active community concessions, the annual deforestation rate has been low, and in non-concession areas it has been higher. Currently, the total area granted is more than 485 thousand hectares, where surveillance patrols, maintenance of fire break gaps and monitoring of threat detection points, among others, are also carried out. ACOFOP, founded in 1997, is an association that represents the community interests of 19 organizations distributed acrossPetén. One of them is Uaxactún, a community located 23 km north of Tikal, which represents an example of successful forest management. Non-timber forestry, such as the extraction of chicle (Manilkara zapota), ramón, allspice and xate seeds, allow communities like Uaxactún to manage and protect the forest and at the same time strengthen the local economy. Since 2007, Uaxactún has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in its management of the xate palm, an activity that gives life to the community. "Where a xate harvester was today, they will return in 3 to 4 months to gather more xate, and this way the plant continues to thrive, as do we," emphasizes Juan Cruz, a member of the community enterprise. "In order to export xate, we required FSC certification, but it wasn't until 2005 that we initiated direct exports, primarily to the United States," explains Erwin Maas, a guide and the president of the Community Development Council (COCODE) in Uaxactún, as well as a member of the Management and Conservation Organization (OMYC). Erwin underscores that while the economic impact of this activity is significant, the harvest area covered remains limited due to the methodologies they implement to ensure responsible use. "We prioritize quality over quantity," he asserts. Left photo: Howler monkey. Right photo: Erwin Maas at the archaeological site of Uaxactún. Antonia Álvarez Peralta is in charge of selecting the xate leaves and verifying that they meet the quality standards, ensuring “That they are not stained, burned, or pitted… this work is good for the community and also for women because we obtain benefits,” Antonia highlights. Envisioning and making use of the forest beyond timber only opens up opportunities for greater participation by women in forestry, which is often considered a job exclusive to men. For Jaime Eduardo España Núñez, a fellow partner in the community enterprise, xate is their "daily bread." He understands that choosing a quality xate leaf is crucial for forest management. Jaime is also skilled in climbing chicozapote trees and is well-versed in the technique for extracting chicle, a skill he learned in his youth. "You see, we make all the cuts, but we don't cut a single branch, and that's why the tree doesn't die," he explains. Upper left photo: Jaime Eduardo España Núñez extracting xate in the forest. Upper right photo: Erwin Maas explains the process of extracting chicle from. the sapodilla tree.Photo: Antonia Álvarez Peralta is in charge of selecting the xate leaves and verifying that the leaf meets quality standards. Another activity carried out in Uaxactún is community-based tourism, as well as the crafting of colorful dolls created from natural materials. The dolls' bodies and clothing are crafted from corn leaves, while finishing touches are added using moss, mushrooms, and seeds, giving life to these unique creations, a hallmark of Uaxactún artisans. "We must preserve the forests because everything we use in our doll-making originates from there," emphasizes Vislan Gualip Suceli Choc, a representative of Uaxactún's artisans and a member of OMYC. Photo:Uaxactún doll made with natural materials from the forest. Concurrently with the forestry concessions, Conservation Agreements have been established in Uaxactún, San Miguel La Palotada, Paso Caballos, and Carmelita since 2009. These agreements represent a community-driven initiative aimed at coordinating agricultural practices, mitigating or curtailing cattle ranching activities, and overall, enhancing management and conservation efforts. This collaborative endeavor involves key partners such as WCS Guatemala, CONAP, Conservation International (CI), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the Darwin Initiative. FOREST SURVEILLANCE PATROLS IN THE MAYA BIOSPHERE RESERVE When entering the Multiple Use Zone (ZUM) of the MBR, the first control post is the “San Miguel la Palotada” Command Center, which is operated by CONAP, forestry organizations, specialized police, and military personnel. To enter the ZUM, a vehicle inspection is carried out and official identification and the reason for the visit must be presented. Since 2009, various areas within a territory that formerly lacked governance are now being guarded. Following the eviction and dismantling of illegal pastures in La Colorada, and after the tragic assassination of community leader David Salguero, responsible for overseeing control and surveillance at the Integral Forest Association Cruce a la Colorada (AFICC) in 2010, the Guatemalan government established 6 Command Posts strategically positioned within the Maya Biosphere Reserve. At the Inter Institutional Operations Center (COI) of La Colorada, groups of approximately 15 park rangers camp and take turns every 20 days to carry out patrols where they verify and, where appropriate, report illegal activities such as land invasion, poaching, logging, cattle ranching and forest fires. In addition, they install camera traps to monitor the biodiversity of the area. With the use of SMART, a monitoring tool to facilitate the generation and exchange of surveillance and control information in protected areas, the group records the patrols’ coordinates and any anomalous intervention they detect. Another group of military personnel accompanies them on patrols. In other words, they are not alone; they operate as a team with the shared objective of forest surveillance. Photo: Since 2009, various areas that formerly lacked governance in the MBR are now being guarded. An InSight Crime report on illegal logging in the Selva Maya can be consulted here. Francisca Ramos Cruz, a ranger and camp cook at the "La Pasadita" Management Unit, reveals that she finds happiness in living there and deeply appreciates the moments of silence and the nocturnal sounds of the forest. She shares her living space with around 20 military personnel tasked with guarding the area. "As a child, I used to dream of living in the mountains... and now, I am fortunate to call them home. It's a delight to witness the forest’s rejuvenation," she remarks. Novelo, Claudia Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21626 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21504/The-Jaguar-in-the-biological-corridor-of-the-Forests-of-Mesoamerica-International-Jaguar-Day.aspx#Comments 0 https://guatemala.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=8784&ModuleID=18444&ArticleID=21504 https://guatemala.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21504&PortalID=115&TabID=8784 https://guatemala.wcs.org/es-es/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21504/The-Jaguar-in-the-biological-corridor-of-the-Forests-of-Mesoamerica-International-Jaguar-Day.aspx Text by WCS Mesoamerica and the Caribbean in collaboration with: Fabricio Santos - Kurt Duchez - Rony García-Anleu - Luis Guerra - Oscar Núñez Saravia - Claudia Novelo Alpuche / Camera trap images by WCS Guatemala, belize, nicaragua Jaguar populations in Mesoamerica face critical threats. The destruction of their natural habitat, driven by illegal cattle ranching and the trafficking of jaguar parts, endangers the survival of these majestic felines. The native cultures of Mesoamerica attributed a symbolic value to the Jaguar, related to the earth, water and fertility, and was a representation of the gods. The oral traditions of the native communities of Mesoamerica related the jaguar to their ancient kings, mentioning that in the funeral ceremonies of their kings, these returned transformed into jaguars, or mentioning that their spiritual leaders were transformed into black jaguars, also known as panthers, and that they still roamed together in the depths of the forest. The traces of the jaguar king in the indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica are as clear as the traces they left in their different and sophisticated artistic expressions. The stories of pre-Columbian cultures and present-day indigenous communities highlight the importance of the jaguar, its prey and the natural forest to their lives. Just as humans need a home, food and a pleasant place to live, the jaguar has its home and food in the forest, away from human presence. Being the king of the forest, it is the top predator, it can take whatever it wants and feeds on wildlife. Jaguar captured on camera trap in La Moskitia, Nicaragua. Video by WCS. Threats Currently, the increasing presence of cattle ranches and hunters are destroying the jaguar's home and eliminating other wild animals, such as wild boars and deer, which are their favorite prey, leaving the jaguars without food. This forces them to look for their prey outside the forest, and the first thing they find are dogs, pigs and cattle, generating conflict between humans and jaguars. In the maya forest, the hunting of jaguars has reached devastating proportions, in order to commercialize their teeth, claws, skin and skull. This is driven by market demand for handicrafts, jewelry and souvenirs for tourists, stripping the jaguar of its ancestral symbolism, and unleashing a spiral of threats to its existence. Among the great challenges to conserve jaguars in Mesoamerica is to control illegal cattle ranching to maintain the ecological integrity of the 5 Great Forests, reduce hunting of forest animals and jaguar-human conflict. Among the tools to improve jaguar conservation in Mesoamerica is the implementation of human practices that encourage the restoration and connectivity of regional natural ecosystems. Jaguar populations are recovering in forest concession areas In Guatemala, camera trap records indicate that jaguar populations are recovering in forest concession areas and restoration plots, as is being demonstrated in the Corona-Morgan Community Concession. This concession includes 37,666 hectares of forest and wetlands, and is located near one of the most difficult deforestation frontiers in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. This makes it clear that to conserve wildlife it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of communities to protect forests and wildlife, using biological monitoring as a tool.  Jaguar captured with camera trap in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala. Video by WCS. The jaguar, an indicator of ecosystem health and fundamental to human health The jaguar is the top predator in the tropical ecosystems of the Americas, regulating the populations of other wildlife species, eliminating old and sick animals, and thus maintaining healthy population structures of wildlife species. This role of the jaguar has direct implications for human health, reducing the likelihood of transmission of zoonotic diseases affecting humans. The protection of the jaguar, and other wildlife species, is an important component of a global public health strategy in the prevention of emerging health risks that threaten human populations, as was the case in recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic. The 5 Great Forests of Mesoamerica initiative supports various Jaguar conservation processes: protection and monitoring of natural forests, restoration of suitable habitat for jaguars, livelihood support for human communities around the forests to improve their economic income in exchange for conservation and restoration commitments.  The future of the countries of Mesoamerica is linked to the conservation of jaguars and indigenous cultures. Together let's conserve the Great Forests of Mesoamerica! Novelo, Claudia Wed, 29 Nov 2023 02:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21504