Guatemala conservation concession for the Maya Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

The national government of Guatemala has issued timber concessions to local communities within its 2 million hectare Maya Biosphere Reserve. Working under this framework, CI is proposing a conservation concession contract with two communities. The concessions would be designed to pay salaries for conservation managers, to invest in projects such as guiding tourists to nearby archaeological sites and to provide community services such as education and health care, in exchange for not logging. The conservation concessions would extend the protection offered by nearby national parks and help to preserve approximately 75,000 hectares containing pristine forests and impressive Mayan ruins.