Our Actions at Sierra del Lacandón

The dense forests of Sierra del Lacandón are the habitat of several endangered species, like the jaguar and the red macaw, and for this reason investigations at national and regional levels have been developed about these species that have become emblematic and of a unique importance in the area.

Today, the population of the Park is mainly ladina (of mixed race) from the south and east of Guatemala, although there are also some Q’eqchiés from the Verapaces and from the south of Petén.  The habitants are settled  around 30 communities which are closely related with the resources of the Park.

Defensoreshas made a lot of efforts to protect nature, within the general outlines and orientation of a National Park.  Due to the fact that Sierra del Lacandón is at a border zone, it has to face up to many challenges like the illegal invasions, the illegal extraction of natural resources and the illegal activities of traffic of substances and persons.  Another daily job at this Park is to control fires, because due to the ecosystem characteristics the area is very susceptible to them.

It is important to note the permanent investigation processes and biologic monitoring at the Park, the  management and forest conservation with the support of the Forest Incentive Program –PINFOR—(for its initials in Spanish); and the  carbon fixation sink in the Park.

Defensoreswill continue working in this Park because it contributes to the conservation of the Mayan Rainforest.  In the future it is expected to strengthen the opportunities that this Park offers such as:  ecotourism, cultural and natural resources management, regional ecological integration, collaboration for the management of cultural resources, and support the development of productive projects.