Mazatenango
Guatemala
Guatemala
About this project.
This project focuses on revitalizing degraded mangrove ecosystems along the southern coast of Guatemala. It not only restores the critical mangrove habitat but also provides sustainable employment for local communities, fosters agroforestry businesses, and revives the region’s aquatic resources, such as fisheries and shellfish populations. This initiative ensures immediate and long-term benefits for both the environment and the livelihoods of local residents.
This region was destroyed by cutting the wood for charcoal and by a shrimp farm that dumped toxic waste into this area years ago killing many of the mangroves in this zone. Community members have been hired to reforest this zone and bring life back to it.
Six community members have been hired as part of this project!
Five of the six have never had a consistent earned wage before this project. Most of the community here are fishermen. When asked what they usually do for work, their answer was “we were fishermen.” After pressing a little further they explained that they had not been able to fish the estuary in three years due to the degradation of the area.
They said there is no other work opportunity for them locally and before the contract to plant they were considering leaving home and emigrating to be able to earn an income. This project has not only given jobs to this community, but it is also restoring the estuary which will restore people’s fishing livelihoods.
They said there is no other work opportunity for them locally and before the contract to plant they were considering leaving home and emigrating to be able to earn an income. This project has not only given jobs to this community, but it is also restoring the estuary which will restore people’s fishing livelihoods.
Location
Country: Guatemala
City: Mazatenango
Project Type
Reforestation
Environmental Benefits
- Watershed Restoration
- Erosion Prevention
- Habitat Restoration
- Biodiversity Enhancement
- Increased Carbon Capture
Location
Country: Guatemala
City: Mazatenango
Project Type
Reforestation
Environmental Benefits
- Watershed Restoration
- Erosion Prevention
- Habitat Restoration
- Biodiversity Enhancement
- Increased Carbon Capture
About this project.
This project focuses on revitalizing degraded mangrove ecosystems along the southern coast of Guatemala. It not only restores the critical mangrove habitat but also provides sustainable employment for local communities, fosters agroforestry businesses, and revives the region’s aquatic resources, such as fisheries and shellfish populations. This initiative ensures immediate and long-term benefits for both the environment and the livelihoods of local residents.
This region was destroyed by cutting the wood for charcoal and by a shrimp farm that dumped toxic waste into this area years ago killing many of the mangroves in this zone. Community members have been hired to reforest this zone and bring life back to it.
Six community members have been hired as part of this project!
Five of the six have never had a consistent earned wage before this project. Most of the community here are fishermen. When asked what they usually do for work, their answer was “we were fishermen.” After pressing a little further they explained that they had not been able to fish the estuary in three years due to the degradation of the area.
They said there is no other work opportunity for them locally and before the contract to plant they were considering leaving home and emigrating to be able to earn an income. This project has not only given jobs to this community, but it is also restoring the estuary which will restore people’s fishing livelihoods.
They said there is no other work opportunity for them locally and before the contract to plant they were considering leaving home and emigrating to be able to earn an income. This project has not only given jobs to this community, but it is also restoring the estuary which will restore people’s fishing livelihoods.
Restoring a Bird Sanctuary
Restoring a
Bird Sanctuary
The mangrove estuaries of Guatemala ́s Pacific Coast are a bird refuge for hundreds of species of
migratory birds in the Americas and is an essential habitat for many endemic birds. Bird Life
International lists the region as a critical endemic bird area. Two key endangered species that the
project will provide habitat for are the mangrove hummingbird and the yellow-billed cotinga.
Restoring the mangrove estuary will restore this species’ habitats and restore the life under water that attracts millions of migrating birds to Southern Guatemala.
Guatemala is home to approximately 39 species of hummingbirds, a testament to the country’s remarkable biodiversity. While many of these species are non-migratory, others, such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, travel north to the United States during warmer months, showcasing the interconnectedness of habitats across the Americas.
Restoring the mangrove estuary will restore this species’ habitats and restore the life under water that attracts millions of migrating birds to Southern Guatemala.
Guatemala is home to approximately 39 species of hummingbirds, a testament to the country’s remarkable biodiversity. While many of these species are non-migratory, others, such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, travel north to the United States during warmer months, showcasing the interconnectedness of habitats across the Americas.
