Our central principle is the formation of national and local capacities, through the accompaniment of technicians, students and national experts, and the strengthening of the Guatemalan Civil Society.

WCS GUATEMALA

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) began its activities in Guatemala in 1992 with the mission to conserve the Maya Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important natural areas in Mesoamerica for wildlife.

Our main focus is to strengthen national and local capacities, supporting Guatemalan technicians, students and experts, and strengthening Civil Society in the country. In this context, WCS works under four interrelated axes for the conservation of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR):

  • 1) Biological research and monitoring;
  • 2) Social development and sustainable management of natural resources in rural communities;
  • 3) Protection and prevention of forest fires; and
  • 4) Governance and cross-cutting issues, including sustainable financing of the MBR.

Since 2017, we initiated the marine and coastal program, strengthening the capacities of CONAP, DIPESCA (Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations), INAB (National Forest Institute), NGOs and community groups on the Pacific coast on issues related to environmental protection and the establishment of marine-coastal protected areas, to contribute to the National Goals proposed in the National Biodiversity Strategy, National Maritime Policy and Nationally Determined Contributions. 

The results achieved so far are encouraging, but we recognize that the challenges are great and much remains to be done. We invite you to learn more about our initiatives and how you can collaborate with our mission to preserve the Maya Biosphere Reserve, a natural and cultural treasure of Mesoamerica.

NEWSROOM

News

October 17, 2025

Uaxactún inaugurates water purification plant: AGUAxactún

The community of Uaxactún, Petén, inaugurated the “AGUAxactún” Water Purification Plant, an infrastructure that improves access to safe drinking water and strengthens the sustainable management of local resources. 

October 14, 2025

Communication and social life of the spinner dolphin in the waters of the Guatemalan Pacific

In terms of feeding behavior, spinner dolphins feed at night on small fish, shrimp, and squid found between 200 and 300 meters below the water’s surface.

October 11, 2025

Migration, monitoring, and joined hands: Progress for birds in the Maya Forest

Over the past two years, we have seen major progress in local techniques and capacities to study migratory birds in Guatemala’s Maya Forest, as well as new collaborations between the communities connected by these birds.

October 3, 2025

Youth Exhibit Artwork on Shorebirds at USAC’s Natural History Museum

An art exhibition highlighting the importance of migratory shorebirds along Guatemala’s Pacific coast opened on October 3 at the Natural History Museum of the University of San Carlos (USAC). 

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