Community: The Secret to Stopping Deforestation in Guatemala
The forest concessions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve have boasted a near-zero deforestation rate for 20 years.
Article
What's at Stake
A full third of Mesoamerica is covered in lush forest, which serves as home to scores of Indigenous and local communities, iconic wildlife, archeological wonders, and abundant biodiversity. While agriculture is the backbone of the region’s economy, it also drives deforestation and climate change.
On the front lines of climate change
Prolonged droughts and frequent hurricanes are making it harder for farmers in Mesoamerica to make a living. A lack of access to international buyers and government support compounds the problem, leading some farmers to cut down forests for more cropland, while others migrate elsewhere in search of better opportunities.
Our Impact
Our community forestry work in the Selva Maya is recognized around the world as a stunning success for people and nature. We also work with certified farmers on producing crops like coffee, cocoa, and fruits sustainably.
Our reach in certification
700,000 hectares (data through 2023).
Through our certification program, we work to improve the sustainability of 61,443 smallholder farmers, 233 farm groups, and almost 3,000 large farms across 700,000 thousand hectares. Almost half a million workers benefit from these efforts.
Protecting forests and building up communities
1 million hectares of forest managed sustainably.
We worked with community forestry businesses to improve their conservation practices while achieving US$53 million in sales of forest products from 2013 to 2023. As a result, the communities conserved one million hectares of forest.
Mesoamerica
We always start by listening. We work with farmers and forest communities to develop solutions to their specific challenges—which range from a lack of investment and business skills to poor soils and droughts. Our agricultural certification program supports farmers and workers, while our forest work helps both forests and communities thrive.
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These Banana Farms in Costa Rica Are Growing a Brighter Future
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The Rainforest Alliance's Work in Mexico
We are working to grow Mexico’s domestic market for sustainably produced products.
All resources for Mesoamerica
25-year Extension Granted to Community Forest Concession in Petén, Guatemala
The government of Guatemala, through the Honorable National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), has granted a 25-year extension to the community-managed forestry concession of Carmelita.
The Maya Biosphere Reserve Forestry Concessions Featured on BBC Radio 5 Live “Up All Night”
Mark Moroge, the Rainforest Alliance's Latin America Director, spoke with Rhod Sharp on BBC Radio 5 Live “Up All Night” to share the incredible success story of the forestry concessions in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Tropical Forest Success Story under Threat in Guatemala
The Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala is a deforestation hotspot, but there is a large swathe where the rate has been near zero since 2000.
“Producing Biodiversity” on a Costa Rican Banana Farm
This farm doesn't just grow bananas–it's producing biodiversity, fresh air, and stronger soils.... Continue Reading
Teaching Sustainable Tourism in the Riviera Maya
We're working with teachers and students to strengthen sustainable tourism education in Mexico's Riviera Maya.... Continue Reading
Baseline Study of Environmental and Social Conditions on Rainforest Alliance Certified Banana Plantations in Costa Rica and Belize
The Rainforest Alliance, IDH-Sustainable Trade Initiative, and private entities in the banana sector collaborated on an evaluation of the social and environmental practices on Rainforest Alliance Certified banana farms in Costa Rica and Belize. The study was carried out in 2018 and analyzed wages, benefits, and workers’ rights; occupational health; and safety on a sample of seven […]