Help Restore the Maya Golden Landscape

Ya’axché continues to collaborate with other institutions in the reforestation efforts within the Maya Golden Landscape of Toledo, Belize. Recently, the institution partnered with a local university, the University of Belize, to conduct restoration plantings in degraded areas of the Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve (MMNFR). A team comprising of Ya’axché staff and UB lecturers and students, collaborated to restore 8.5 acres that were illegally cleared. The efforts resulted in a total of 236 native trees, including acacia (pali), mayflower, sankil che (hormigo), breadnut (ramon), and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) being planted.

In addition to the planting activities, Ya’axché delivered presentations to the university student group on how our work in biodiversity conservation and livelihoods enhancements contribute to preserving standing forests. Ya’axché does this through promoting climate-smart agriculture and alternative livelihoods.

Another institution that Ya’axché recently collaborated with is the University of Saint Thomas from Minnesota, USA. Seedlings for the restoration efforts are propagated by the nursery staff and the students assisted with creating the necessary signage for the nursery. 

An important aspect of the restoration efforts is bringing awareness to the stakeholder communities that buffer the MMNFR. Ya’axché has been engaged in education outreach where staff members have been on local radio and television programs highlighting the work we do.