Guatemala
Within Guatemala, the Maya Biosphere Reserve spans about 5.2 million acres. This area covers land that was long ago settled by indigenous citizens in at least 175 Mayan cities. Tourism provides income to the area, and sales of timber and non-timber products also help to support the local communities. Through our member support, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Rain Forest Rescue program has been making a difference in this country for the past 14 years.
Thanks to Arbor Day Foundation supporters, important work within the local communities and the national government of Guatemala is helping to conserve the Maya Biosphere Reserve through establishment of a Conservation Trust Fund. Also, Arbor Day Foundation members’ contributions helped purchase two central pieces of land, totaling 77,000 acres, which are critical to the overall connection of the Sierra del Lacandón National Park in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. The goal is to now raise two million dollars in order to establish an endowment for funding long-term conservation in the region.
