Uaxactún is a community with over 110 years of history, located in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, 96 km from the city of Flores and 23 km north of Tikal National Park. This village of approximately 770 residents has become a model of conservation, with its people serving as essential allies in protecting biodiversity.

Since 2000, the residents of Uaxactún have managed Guatemala’s largest community concession, spanning 83,558 hectares, through the Civil Society OMYC, under the supervision of the Guatemalan Protected Areas System (SIGAP) and the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP). This concession allows for the sustainable use of both timber and non-timber resources, including Xate palm (Chamaedorea spp.), Chicle gum (Manilkara zapota), Allspice (Pimienta dioica), and Breadnut (Brosimum alicastrum).

Conservation and Sustainable Development Projects

Uaxactún has pioneered community-led conservation initiatives that have been replicated across the Maya Biosphere Reserve. These initiatives include SMART patrols to protect biodiversity and prevent illegal activities, as well as carpentry workshops and training programs that empower the community through education and skill-building. Uaxactún was also the first community to sign a Conservation Agreement, which provides financial incentives and technical support in exchange for specific conservation actions. These actions include fire prevention and the sustainable management of Xate, with over 100,000 Xate palms planted, boasting a survival rate of over 90%.

Thanks to community commitment, Uaxactún has achieved significant milestones, such as the addition of 100,000 new Xate palms to the forest, the rezoning of agricultural areas within the concession, and the strengthening of local administrative and financial capacities through external audits and the leadership of COCODE and OMYC. Additionally, more than 250 people have benefited directly from quality incentives for Xate harvesting.

The Archaeological Site of Uaxactún

Within the concession lies the Uaxactún archaeological site, a treasure from the Maya Preclassic period that includes the "Temple of the Masks" and eight structural groups (A-H). These groups, separated by an airstrip, provide a unique testimony to Maya cultural heritage, which the community preserves and protects as part of their legacy.

Conservation Challenges

Despite these achievements, Uaxactún faces significant challenges, such as securing the financial and technical sustainability needed for forest management and continuously improving its control and monitoring system to combat threats like deforestation and fires. Uaxactún is an inspiring example of how communities can lead the way in conserving and sustainably using natural resources, safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.