DOCSLIB.ORG

Forest Protection in the Maya Biosphere Reserve Major Achievements Apr 2009 - Sept 2010 Usaid-Wcs Guatemala

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Forest Protection in the Maya Biosphere Reserve Major Achievements Apr 2009 - Sept 2010 Usaid-Wcs Guatemala FOREST PROTECTION IN THE MAYA BIOSPHERE RESERVE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS APR 2009 - SEPT 2010 USAID-WCS GUATEMALA Introduction: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Wildlife Conservation Society joined forces over an 18-month period (2009-2010) to support forest protection activities in the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) of northern Guatemala. As the largest protected area complex in Mesoamerica, the MBR has received significant USAID investment to strengthen the reserve’s capacity to contribute to the ecological stability of the tri-national Maya Forest (of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala), and ensure it’s great potential to contribute to the sustainable economic growth of the Department of Petén, and Guatemala as whole. In 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2005, vast areas of the Maya Biosphere Reserve burned due to improper attention to the use of fire as a tool for clearing agricultural lands. More recently, illegal colonization linked to organized gangs and the drug trade increased at an alarming rate, with the result being record amount of degradation across the MBR in 2008 and early 2009. Program Description: In response to growing threats, support from USAID allowed the Wildlife Conservation Society and national partners to develop an integrated forest protection program focused on the economically productive areas of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (see Map 1). Technical accompaniment and in kind material support was provided to Guatemala’s national park service (Consejo Nacional de Areas Protegidas – CONAP), and the Guatemalan fire prevention authority (Sistema de Prevencion y Control de Incendios Forestales- SIPECIF), as well as national and community based partners working to reduce threats in their respective areas. Collaboration from Lighthawk was also obtained to permit regular over flights of the MBR during the dry fire season when threats are most severe. Results over the 18-month program were exemplary. By the end of the 2010 dry season, CONAP technicians and local partners estimated that 109,000 hectares of the reserve were “recuperated”, an area nearly twice the size of the MBR’s most well known park: Tikal. All of the recuperated areas were found to be free of new deforestation, fire, and settlement during the 2010 dry season, whereas during 2009 all had been severely affected. The MBR Forest Protection Program helped demonstrate that targeted investments in the protection of the reserve are one key element in a sound, long term development strategy, providing tangible benefits that ensure the long term economic and ecological sustainability of the Hemisphere’s most spectacular landscapes Major Achievements: 1) The recuperation and maintenance of the former La Colorada community forest concession free of impacts, including human settlement and colonization, deforestation, fire, agriculture, and cattle ranching. This landmark achievement This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the Wildlife Conservation Society and do not necessary reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. includes the peaceful resettlement of the illegal colonists that had entered into the area as part of the process of land speculation that was ongoing in the area. 2) The recuperation of 109,701 hectares in the eastern Maya Biosphere Reserve focal area (Note: Map 1). The recuperated areas were quantified in partnership with CONAP and CECON, consisting of 56,074 hectares in the “Shield” area of eastern Laguna del Tigre, 22,346 hectares in La Colorada, 4,161 hectares in the MUZ area of “El Molino”, 12.152 hectares in Cruce a la Colorada, and 1,048 hectares in the El Zotz Biotope. 3) The successful conclusion of the 2010 fire season with a significant reduction in hot points across the Maya Biosphere Reserve (Note: see Table 1 below). PETEN MAYA PROTECTED BIOSPHERE YEAR PETEN AREAS RESERVE 2001 676 345 263 2002 732 473 357 2003 10313 6895 5846 2004 1746 1081 891 2005 10736 7728 6059 2006 3000 1895 1447 2007 5343 3852 3083 2008 4148 3044 2537 2009 6403 4916 3955 2010* 3386 2511 2003 * Total hot points through May 19th 2010 4) Execution of 250 hours of over flights undertaken since the Forest Protection Program began in March 2009; 5) Installation and strategic support for a new Joint Operations Center (COC) in the site of the former village of La Colorada and its formal inauguration in the month of June, 2010; Strategic support for additional COC across the Maya Biosphere Reserve including La Corona, El Peru-Waka’, Manantial, El Tigre, Rio Azul, San Miguel, Achiotal, and Paxban. 6) Significant advances in the field consisting of: the cleaning/establishment of 51.4 km fire breaks and access routes during the 2010 fire season; and 115 regular field patrols executed throughout the project area. 7) Contined strengthening of CONAP & IDAEH activities in the Mirador sector of Mirador-Rio Azul National Park via “Plan Hormiga” led by Asociación Balam. This plan was successful in deterring illegal natural resource extraction and tomb looting in the Mirador area. It propelled increased collaboration between CONAP, IDAEH, and local villagers from Carmelita by financing a collaborative team of field This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the Wildlife Conservation Society and do not necessary reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. monitors that patrolled the interior of the forest, mapping trails and ensuring physical presence in the interior of the park. 8) Provision of key equipment for fire prevention and control activities in the eastern Laguna del Tigre area, including the Multiple Use Zone Biological Corridor. 9) Forest fire prevention and control training workshops executed with CONAP technical staff, local NOG partners, and members of community-based control and vigilance committees. MAP 1: Area of influence of USAID/WCS Forest Protection Program MAP 2 This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the Wildlife Conservation Society and do not necessary reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Canuto-Et-Al.-2018.Pdf
    RESEARCH ◥ shows field systems in the low-lying wetlands RESEARCH ARTICLE SUMMARY and terraces in the upland areas. The scale of wetland systems and their association with dense populations suggest centralized planning, ARCHAEOLOGY whereas upland terraces cluster around res- idences, implying local management. Analy- Ancient lowland Maya complexity as sis identified 362 km2 of deliberately modified ◥ agricultural terrain and ON OUR WEBSITE another 952 km2 of un- revealed by airborne laser scanning Read the full article modified uplands for at http://dx.doi. potential swidden use. of northern Guatemala org/10.1126/ Approximately 106 km science.aau0137 of causeways within and .................................................. Marcello A. Canuto*†, Francisco Estrada-Belli*†, Thomas G. Garrison*†, between sites constitute Stephen D. Houston‡, Mary Jane Acuña, Milan Kováč, Damien Marken, evidence of inter- and intracommunity con- Philippe Nondédéo, Luke Auld-Thomas‡, Cyril Castanet, David Chatelain, nectivity. In contrast, sizable defensive features Carlos R. Chiriboga, Tomáš Drápela, Tibor Lieskovský, Alexandre Tokovinine, point to societal disconnection and large-scale Antolín Velasquez, Juan C. Fernández-Díaz, Ramesh Shrestha conflict. 2 CONCLUSION: The 2144 km of lidar data Downloaded from INTRODUCTION: Lowland Maya civilization scholars has provided a unique regional perspec- acquired by the PLI alter interpretations of the flourished from 1000 BCE to 1500 CE in and tive revealing substantial ancient population as ancient Maya at a regional scale. An ancient around the Yucatan Peninsula. Known for its well as complex previously unrecognized land- population in the millions was unevenly distrib- sophistication in writing, art, architecture, as- scape modifications at a grand scale throughout uted across the central lowlands, with varying tronomy, and mathematics, this civilization is the central lowlands in the Yucatan peninsula.
    [Show full text]
  • Foundation for Maya Cultural and Natural Heritage
    Our mission is to coordinate efforts Foundation for Maya Cultural and provide resources to identify, and Natural Heritage lead, and promote projects that protect and maintain the cultural Fundación Patrimonio Cultural y Natural Maya and natural heritage of Guatemala. 2 # nombre de sección “What is in play is immense” HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco he Maya Biosphere Reserve is located in the heart of the Selva Maya, the Maya Jungle. It is an ecological treasure that covers one fifth of Guatemala’s landmass (21,602 Tsquare kilometers). Much of the area remains intact. It was established to preserve—for present and future generations— one of the most spectacular areas of natural and cultural heritage in the world. The Maya Biosphere Reserve is Guatemala’s last stronghold for large-bodied, wide-ranging endangered species, including the jaguar, puma, tapir, and black howler monkey. It also holds the highest concentration of Maya ruins. Clockwise from bottomleft José Pivaral (President of Pacunam), Prince Albert II of Monaco (sponsor), Mel Gibson (sponsor), Richard Hansen (Director of Mirador The year 2012 marks the emblematic change of an era in the ancient calendar of the Maya. This Archaeological Project) at El Mirador momentous event has sparked global interest in environmental and cultural issues in Guatemala. After decades of hard work by archaeologists, environmentalists, biologists, epigraphers, and other scientists dedicated to understanding the ancient Maya civilization, the eyes of the whole Pacunam Overview and Objectives 2 world are now focused on our country. Maya Biosphere Reserve 4 This provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to share with the world our pressing cause: Why is it important? the Maya Biosphere Reserve is in great danger.
    [Show full text]
  • Deforestation Trends in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala Authored By: February 2015
    2000-2013 Deforestation Trends in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala Authored by: February 2015 Benjamin D. Hodgdon Rainforest Alliance David Hughell Rainforest Alliance Victor Hugo Ramos Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas/Wildlife Conservation Society Roan Balas McNab Wildlife Conservation Society The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustain- able livelihoods by transforming land-use prac- tices, business practices and consumer behavior. www.rainforest -alliance.org SUMMARY Deforestation Trends in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala Forest canopy of the MBR from atop the ruins of Tikal Photo by Charlie Watson Covering close to 2.1 million hectares, Guatemala’s Some 15 years after the majority of concessions Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) is the largest pro- were awarded, deforestation trends in the MBR dur- tected area in Central America and home to around ing 2000-2013 were analyzed and broken down by 180,000 people, as well as globally important bio- administrative classification, as well as other vari- diversity and cultural heritage. Established in 1990, ables. In summary the analysis found that: the reserve is also the site of an internationally sig- nificant example of multiple-use forest management • The deforestation rate across the entire MBR was with the twin aims of conservation and social devel- 1.2 percent annually during the 14-year period, opment. This paper analyzes deforestation trends in lower than the average rate of deforestation in different management zones of the MBR during the Guatemala as whole, which stood at 1.4 percent period 2000-2013 and looks within these zones to from 2000 to 2010 identify trends among specific management units.
    [Show full text]
  • Guatemala San Miguel La Palotada Protected Biotope (El Zotz)
    Park Profile - Guatemala San Miguel la Palotada Protected Biotope (El Zotz) Date of most recent on-site evaluation: July 2002 Date of publication: September 2002 Location: Department of Petén in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Year created: 1987 Area: 34,934 ha Eco-region: Tehuantepec humid forest Habitat: Humid highland forest, dry highland forest, dry forest of the foothills, xerophytic scrub in lowlands, humid forest in hollows, and marshes Summary Description San Miguel la Palotada Protected Biotope (El Zotz) is located in northern Guatemala, in the municipality of San José, department of Petén. It is one of the Maya Biosphere Reserve core zones. El Zotz (meaning “bat” in the Mayan language) is the common name for the protected area, though officially it is called San Miguel la Palotada (Decree Nº 4-89, 1989; Decree N 5-90, 1990). The area features several major archaeological sites, the most important of which are El Zotz and El Diablo. Biodiversity Regionally endemic species include: Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra), black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) and ocellated wild turkey (Agriocharis ocellata). Felines include the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Felis concolor) and ocelot (Leopardus wiedii). Other mammals include bats (Pteronotus spp.). Several of the species in the area are included in the IUCN Red List (2001), while the CONAP Red List (2001b) lists C. moreletii, A. pigra, A. geoffroyi, P. onca, F. concolor and L. Wiedii as threatened with extinction. 1 www.parkswatch.org Threats ParksWatch classifies San Miguel la Palotada Protected Biotope (El Zotz) as threatened, meaning there is a very high risk that the protected area will fail to protect and maintain biological diversity in the near future; remedial action is needed.
    [Show full text]
  • The Realities of Looting in the Rural Villages of El Petén, Guatemala
    FAMSI © 1999: Sofia Paredes Maury Surviving in the Rainforest: The Realities of Looting in the Rural Villages of El Petén, Guatemala Research Year : 1996 Culture : Maya Chronology : Contemporary Location : Petén, Guatemala Site : Tikal Table of Contents Note to the Reader Introduction Purpose, Methodology, and Logistics Geographical Setting Rainforest Products and Seasonal Campsites Who are the Looters? Magic and Folklore Related to Looting Voices in the Forest Tombs with Riches, Tombs with Magic Glossary of local words Local Knowledge about Maya Art and History Local Classification of Precolumbian Remains Local Re-Utilization of Archaeological Objects Destruction vs. Conservation. What are the Options? Cultural Education in Guatemala The Registration of Archaeological Patrimony Acknowledgements List of Figures Sources Cited Abbreviations Note to the Reader The present article is intended to be used as an informational source relating to the role of local villagers involved in the process of looting. For reasons of privacy, I have used the letters of the Greek alphabet to give certain individuals fictitious names. Words that refer to local mannerisms and places related to the topic, which are in the Spanish or Maya languages, are written in italics. The names of institutions are in Spanish as well, and abbreviations are listed at the end of the article. The map is shown below. Submitted 02/01/1997 by : Sofia Paredes Maury 2 Introduction This study was supported in part by funds from the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc. (FAMSI, Crystal River, FL). It is an introductory research that focuses on the extraction and commercialization of Precolumbian artifacts by the rural villagers of El Petén, and the role of the community and site museums in Guatemala.
    [Show full text]
  • Fighting for the Protection of the Maya Biosphere
    Success story of the third call: Fighting for the protection of the Maya Biosphere As part of the third call for projects in 2012, the Tropical Forest Conservation Fund of Guatemala (FCA) approved the project “Governance consolidation of Ruta Carmelita in the multiple use zone of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, Petén, Guatemala”. The Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) is recognized as one of the better preserved in Guatemala and is an emblematic site because of its biodiversity. Within the zoning of the MBR, multiple uses zone (ZUM) is key as the biological corridor between Tikal, El Zotz, Yaxhá, Mirador-Río Azul, Dos Lagunas, and Laguna del Tigre. In the last decade, the ZUM has hosted the development of a regional model of economic and social sustainability through integrated forest management in community and industrial management units (forestry concessions), which have paid significant dividends for the biological conservation and social development and improving the quality of people’s life. However, despite recent improvements in governance in the MBR and the ZUM in particular, Carmelita route sector remains strongly threatened. This situation has undermined governance in the sector so that CONAP (Guatemala’s Council of Protected Areas), allied communities and other institutions of Government and civil society commonly face difficulties to carry out proper land management activities, including the application of the law, patrols and access control. From 2012 to 2015, The FCA Fund supported different activities such as high-impact control patrols performed with the participation of 111 people from different institutions. The National Army, DIPRONA (National Police’ Nature Protection Unit) and CONAP performed 671 interinstitutional patrols.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Shadow of a Giant Stephen D
    Research at El Zotz, Guatemala In the Shadow of a Giant Stephen D. Houston Brown University a b Figure 1. Physical setting of El Zotz, Guatemala: (a) the wider context (note valley); (b) close-up of El Zotz and area. Abstract two larger kingdoms. As such, El Zotz relates to key debates about the nature of governance in An enduring problem in studies of history and traditional, pre-industrial polities of relatively society is the question of political domination modest scale: namely, whether decision-making over people and landscape: how was such control was diffuse and conflictive (“heterarchical”) in achieved, and what were its varieties? An ideal such “city-states,” or centralized and hierarchical. setting to investigate this problem is ancient Maya El Zotz and its environs are targeted as part of kingdom of El Zotz, Guatemala, which flourished a three-year investigation of broad scope and in the middle years of the first millennium CE. At collaborative intent. The goal is to test explicit El Zotz, preliminary evidence indicates the sudden expectations of El Zotz as a “reembedded capital,” creation of a dynastic seat, with all the palatial and with a number of provable or deniable predictions: mortuary facilities associated with Maya rulership. (1) poor linkages to agriculture; (2) disarticulation The city appears to result from geopolitical from earlier settlement; (3) novel religious and strategy: (1) it was placed close to the immense courtly practices; (4) relative instability and Maya city of Tikal, with historical evidence of fragility; (5) deliberate contrasts in material culture, support from long-standing enemies of the Tikal diet, and demography with competing kingdoms, dynasty; (2) it controlled a key route connecting and (6) further historical evidence from a region two major regions of the Maya world; and (3) it that remains poorly known, if savagely looted.
    [Show full text]
  • Park Profile – Guatemala Laguna Del Tigre Río Escondido Protected Biotope
    Park Profile – Guatemala Laguna del Tigre Río Escondido Protected Biotope Date of most recent on-site evaluation: July 2003 Date of publication: October 2003 Location: San Andrés municipality in the department of Petén, in the Maya Biosphere Reserve Year created: 1989 Area: 45,168 hectares Ecoregion: Tehuantepec humid forest Habitat: High forest, transitional forest, oak forest, savannahs, and wetlands Summary Description Laguna del Tigre Río Escondido Protected Biotope is located in northern Guatemala, in the municipality of San Andrés, Department of Petén. Established in 1989, the park is an important Guatemalan wetland – the extensive, periodically inundated zone has a unique character, with savannahs and transitional forests. Laguna del Tigre Protected Biotope, along with the neighboring Laguna del Tigre National Park, is included in the Ramsar Convention’s list of Wetlands of International Importance. The park is also included in the Montreux Register of sites where adverse change in ecological character has occurred. Biodiversity The park is habitat to 188 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, 17 species of amphibians, and 55 species of fish. Though there is no official count, it is estimated that the park could support up to 130 species of mammals. The area is home to regional endemic species like the Guatemalan Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra), Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), and the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii). Felines include the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Felis concolor), and the Margay (Leopardus wiedii). Many of the species present in the area are on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Threats ParksWatch has determined that Laguna del Tigre Río Escondido Protected Biotope is a critically threatened area, meaning that there is an extremely high risk that the protected area will fail to protect and maintain biological diversity in the immediate future, unless urgent solutions are prescribed and implemented.
    [Show full text]
  • Tikal National Park - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
    IUCN World Heritage Outlook: https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ Tikal National Park - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment Tikal National Park 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment SITE INFORMATION Country: Guatemala Inscribed in: 1979 Criteria: (i) (iii) (iv) (ix) (x) In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. © UNESCO SUMMARY 2020 Conservation Outlook Finalised on 03 Dec 2020 GOOD WITH SOME CONCERNS Tikal National Park, a mixed World Heritage site and among the first inscriptions on the World Heritage List, has been conserving a particularly valuable part of the Selva Maya for many decades. The intricately linked ecological and species conservation values of the site cannot be separated from the broader Petén and the even larger transboundary Selva Maya region. The natural values of the entire region are under increasing pressure from large-scale land transformation, including deforestation, farmland encroachment, infrastructure development and intentional and accidental forest fires, all alongside increased impacts of climate change. While in a comparatively privileged position, the World Heritage site is not immune to such pressure. In recent years, tourism has locally reached levels of mass tourism without adequate management responses. However, how this will change following the COVID-19 related reduction in global travel will need to be evaluated. Besides a permanent need to effectively manage the impacts of massive tourism and address illegal activities in the site, the future management and conservation of Tikal will also depend on the effectiveness of buffering the property from the broader developments in the Petén and the wider Selva Maya.
    [Show full text]
  • Tikal National Park - 2017 Conservation Outlook Assessment (Archived)
    IUCN World Heritage Outlook: https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ Tikal National Park - 2017 Conservation Outlook Assessment (archived) IUCN Conservation Outlook Assessment 2017 (archived) Finalised on 09 November 2017 Please note: this is an archived Conservation Outlook Assessment for Tikal National Park. To access the most up-to-date Conservation Outlook Assessment for this site, please visit https://www.worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org. Tikal National Park INFORMACIÓN DEL SITIO Country: Guatemala Inscribed in: 1979 Criteria: (i) (iii) (iv) (ix) (x) In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. © UNESCO RESUMEN 2017 Conservation Outlook Good with some concerns Tikal National Park, a mixed World Heritage property and among the first inscriptions on the World Heritage List, has been conserving a particularly valuable part of the Selva Maya for many decades. The intricately linked ecological and species conservation values of the property cannot be separated from the broader Petén and the even larger transboundary Selva Maya region and the same holds true for the archeological values, which are part of much wider heritage. The natural values of the entire region are under increasing pressure (Guzmán, 2017; Hodgdon et al., 2015). While in a comparatively privileged position, the property is not immune to such pressure. Tourism has locally reached levels of mass tourism without adequate management responses and rapid population growth and simultaneous direct dependence on natural resources results in ever higher levels of hunting, poaching and collection of wild biodiversity products for subsistence and commercial purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • 31St International Co-Ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme
    United Nations Man and Educational, Scientific and the Biosphere Cultural Organization Programme 31st International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme 17-21 June 2019 Paris, France SC-19/CONF.231/1_v2 Paris, 12 June 2019 Original: English UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Thirty-first session UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Room II (Fontenoy Building) 17 – 21 June 2019 PROVISIONAL AGENDA 1. Introduction by the Chair of the ICC 2. Opening remarks Opening remarks by: Deputy Director General of UNESCO Chairperson of the Executive Board of UNESCO President of the 39th session of the General Conference of UNESCO (to be confirmed) 3. Report of the Chair of the ICC 4. Adoption of the agenda and timetable 5. Report of the Secretary of the MAB Programme 6. Reports on actions undertaken by Member States / regional and thematic MAB Networks in the context of MAB with a focus on the Lima Action Plan 7. Implementation of the ‘Process of Excellence and Enhancement of the WNBR as well as Quality Improvement of all Members of the World Network’ 8. Periodic Review Reports and follow-up information received since the last MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC) Meeting 9. Proposals for new Biosphere Reserves and extensions/modifications/ renaming to Biosphere Reserves that are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) 10. Update on the MAB Communication Strategy and Action Plan 11. MAB Young Scientists Awards Scheme 12. Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management 13. Implementation of the Lima Action Plan 14.
    [Show full text]
  • Maya Biosphere Reserve
    BEST OF THE WILD: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY and the MAYA BIOSPHERE RESERVE BEST OF THE WILD: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY and the MAYA BIOSPHERE RESERVE PHOTO CREDITS (COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): COVER: JULIE LARSEN MAHER/WCS; INSIDE COVER: WCS GUATEMALA; PAGE 3: WCS GUATEMALA; PAGE 4; WCS GUATEMALA; PAGE 5: WCS GUATEMALA (2); CEMEC/WCS; PAGE 7: WCS GUATEMALA (3); PAGE 9: RAFAEL REYNA; WCS GUATEMALA (2); PAGE 11: WCS GUATEMALA; JULIE LARSEN MAHER/WCS; WCS GUATEMALA; CEMEC/WCS; PAGE 13: VICTOR HUGO RAMOS, WCS GUATEMALA W C S a n d t h E M a y a B I o S p h ere R eser v E Viewed from space the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) appears largely pristine, with minimal evidence of human impact. It is one of the last remaining rainforest strongholds in the region, situated at the heart of the Selva Maya, a tri- national forest spanning Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. The MBR is a stronghold for wide ranging and iconic species—jaguar, puma, Baird’s tapir, white-lipped peccary, scarlet macaw, and king vulture. Species endemic to the region fill the forest: the raucous Guatemalan black howler monkey, Morelet’s croco- dile, and the spectacular ocellated turkey. Millions of migratory birds from the US and Canada, more than 80 species, depend on these forests during the northern winter. At 8,100 square miles (nearly one-sixth the size of New York State), the MBR anchors the largest block of broadleaf forest north of the Amazon. Securing its future is an impor- tant conservation imperative. The forest is a major carbon sink for the planet and a critical water catchment for the region.
    [Show full text]