Since 2009, WCS has partnered with the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) to implement the Conservation Agreements model in the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR). Originally developed by Conservation International (CI) and adapted by WCS for Guatemala, this incentive-based model has been key in preserving the biodiversity and natural resources of the region.

In collaboration with CONAP, organized community groups, and civil society institutions, WCS has implemented conservation agreements tailored to the specific needs and contexts of each community. The first Conservation Agreement was signed in 2009 with the community of Uaxactún and has remained in effect since then, marking a milestone in community conservation.

The second agreement was signed in 2010 with the community of Paso Caballos and continues to be active today. Both agreements are directly supported by WCS, providing technical and financial assistance for their implementation.

In 2012, a third Conservation Agreement was signed with the community of Carmelita, active from 2012 to 2014, implemented by Asociación Balam with financial support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Fundación Pacunam.

The fourth agreement, signed in 2015, involved the communities of Corozal and BioItzá, in partnership with Fundación Propetén. This agreement was notable for its focus on a shared landscape, benefiting 30,010 hectares and supported by the Darwin Initiative. It has since been renewed for a second phase with funding from Conservation International.

The most recent agreement was signed in March 2017 with the community of San Miguel, located in the Multiple Use Zone of the MBR. Supported by Overbrook, this agreement brought together the community of San Miguel, WCS, and honorary witnesses, reinforcing a long-term commitment to conservation in the region.

uaxactún

Uaxactún is a village with a concession of 83,558.46 hectares dedicated to the sustainable extraction of non-timber resources such as xate, chicle, and pepper. This community was the first to sign a Conservation Agreement, receiving incentives and technical assistance in exchange for carrying out specific conservation activities, such as adopting a sustainable extraction system for xate, implementing control and surveillance plans, and preventing wildfires. Key achievements include the rezoning of agricultural land, improved management and protection of 81,000 hectares, the introduction of 200,000 new xate plants with a high survival rate, and the strengthening of the administrative and financial capacities of local authorities and the entity responsible for managing the concession (OMYC).

Paso caballos

Paso Caballos, a Q'eqchí indigenous community, serves as a key entry point to Laguna del Tigre National Park and surrounding forest concessions. In 2010, WCS signed the second Conservation Agreement with this community, under which they committed to strictly controlling agricultural burns, regulating migration, and prohibiting the settlement of new individuals and cattle ranching. In return, the community receives capacity building and technical support for their local authorities, as well as improvements in educational and healthcare infrastructure. Key successes include strengthened relationships with government authorities, effective internal control during agricultural burn seasons, and the absence of cattle within the community.

Conservation challenges

Ongoing challenges include strengthening community organization for control and protection during the dry season, as well as managing the immigration of people into the community. Given its rapid expansion, it is also crucial to improve education and healthcare services for children and youth, while diversifying economic activities toward environmentally friendly practices.