Key Impacts

Biodiversity

• The Bio-Itzá Biosphere Reserve is over 36 km2 of protected sub-tropical forest

• The reserve houses 73 species of birds, 53 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 44 species of mammals, with 28 of these species considered threatened by extinction

• The association founded YA'AX PAL ("Green Kids"): an environmental and cultural education program that runs conservation work projects, community clean-up programs, inter-cultural exchange programs, and eco-camps

Socio-economic

• Employing 80 local people, the group is the largest single employer in San José

• A sustainable eco-tourism strategy integrates the activities of a Spanish language school, medicinal plant garden, and guided reserve tours

• Support and training are provided for a women's group that sustainably produces medicinal plant products such as soaps, shampoos, syrups, creams, baskets, embroidery and traditional dresses

• A scholarship program supports the education of rural children, establishing an agreement with parents that financial support will be provided contingent on completion of the school year

Policy

• An operational cooperation agreement between Association Bio-Itzá, Tikal National Park, and Biotope Palotada San Miguel - administered by the Center for Conservation Studies, USAC, CECON, and the municipalities of Flores, San José, and Petén - promotes improved relationships between the groups and formally establishes a platform for: management of protected areas, training, scientific research, information exchange, outreach to neighboring communities, and political influence

Replication

• Bio-Itzá has been invited by other organizations in the country to exchange their experiences and help replicate their management model in other indigenous communities, including: The Asociación AproBasank, Chisec, Alta Verapazen, The Asociación Asorech, Quetzaltepeque, and Chiquimula y The Asociación Ulew Cheja, Totonicapán

Partners

• World Bank
• University of San Carlos de Guatemala -CECON
• Universidad de Valle de Guatemala
• National Council for Protected Areas (Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas-CONAP)
• Municipality of San José, Petén
• Conservation International (CI)
• National Institute of Forests (Instituto Nacional de Bosques-INAB)
• System of Forest Fire Prevention (Sistema de Prevención de Incendios Forestales-SIPECIF)

Contact

Asociación BioItzá
Reginaldo Chayax Heux
Director
Barrio El progreso San José, Peten,
Guatemala C.A.
Tel: (502) 7928-8142
Fax: (502) 7928-8056
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