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Because of the increasing pressure on the Petén's ecosystems, exacerbated by the agricultural and livestock expansion, as well as immigration and inadequate management of protected areas, this Sustainable Maya Landscapes project is crucial. The current situation threatens the region's unique biodiversity and compromises the livelihoods of local communities who depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
The "Sustainable Mayan Landscapes" project seeks to restore and protect the natural heritage, promote sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development, to ensuring a better quality of life for the inhabitants and the conservation of the Maya landscape for future generations.
The project seeks to enhance the abilities of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve communities and organisations to face challenges arising from unsustainable practices and vulnerability, so they can achieve a state of sustainable development by implementing resilient practices that protect biodiversity. The project’s vision is to achieve a balance between socioeconomic progress and environmental conservation through sustainable resource management, inclusion of marginalised groups, and promotion of green businesses, contributing to effective local governance and well-being of the community and its eco-system.
The project addresses the urgent need to reverse environmental degradation and improve living conditions in Petén, Guatemala, by implementing an integrated strategy that promotes sustainable socioeconomic development aligned with environmental conservation. The theory of change within this project is based on creating synergies between local capacity building, sustainable natural resource management, and the creation of green economic opportunities. A specific innovation is the focus on circular and green economy as a strategy for the protection of Lake Petén Itzá. The project integrates interventions in forestry value chains, non-timber forest products, livestock, cacao, honey, and sustainable tourism, promoting practices that minimise environmental impact while maximising social and economic inclusion.
Key stakeholders include local organisations such as ACOFOP, ProPéten, an organisation called El Bloque, government entities, and international agencies such as the European Union, who contribute in areas that range from financial support to the implementation of sustainable practices. The direct beneficiaries are local communities, including farmers, women entrepreneurs, and young people, who will benefit from improved access to inclusive markets, employability, and quality of life.
Key activities include institutional strengthening, promotion of sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, development of tourism as a sustainable economic driver, and an improved waste and wastewater management, which will contribute to the construction of more sustainable cities and the promotion of clean air. This project focuses on critical sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and waste management, targeting areas of work that include biodiversity conservation, sustainable construction, and sustainable transportation, creating a replicable model of sustainable development.