The project focused on the Zunil–Atitlán–Acatenango biocultural corridor. This is an important area for biodiversity, water sources and cultural heritage.
It was funded by the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative. The total investment was over 6 million Guatemalan quetzales. The project was implemented by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Asociación Vivamos Mejor (AVM), working with local communities and authorities.
Over three years, the project supported conservation and climate action in the western highlands. It worked with Indigenous communities in Sololá, Quetzaltenango and Chimaltenango.
Activities included forest conservation, ecological restoration and fire management. Fire management followed the Integrated Fire Management approach (IFM). The project also strengthened local governance and supported sustainable livelihoods.
The project delivered important results. A new management plan was developed for the biocultural corridor with 79 representatives from 34 organisations. The corridor was expanded to almost 100,000 hectares of forest, improving connectivity between ecosystems.
A regional coordination group was formalised to support shared land management. It is recognised by the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP). More than 4,800 hectares of forest are now better protected.
The project restored 150 hectares of degraded land using more than 30 native species, including endangered species. It also trained 300 people in forest fire prevention and response. Training included certification supported by the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED).
In Sololá a departmental strategy for fire management was developed. It is the second department in Guatemala with this type of plan.
The project also helped improve local livelihoods. It supported beekeeping, coffee production under agroforestry systems and fuel-efficient stoves. These actions help increase income and reduce pressure on forests.
The new management plan provides a roadmap for conservation and sustainable development. It brings together biodiversity, culture, climate adaptation, and sustainable production. It recognises the important role of Indigenous Peoples in managing the territory.
It supports ecosystems such as cloud forest, dry forest and river systems. It also protects species such as the horned guan and the puma.
British Ambassador to Guatemala, Juliana Correa, said:
The UK is committed to protecting biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience. This project shows how science, community participation and local governance can work together to deliver long-term solutions.”
José David Díaz, Conservation Director at The Nature Conservancy Guatemala, said:
Support from the Darwin Initiative shows the importance of international partnerships. It helps deliver local solutions to biodiversity loss and climate change. This project has strengthened skills, built a shared vision and created tools for sustainable land management.”
The Zunil–Atitlán–Acatenango corridor connects ecosystems from the western highlands to the central volcanic chain of Guatemala. It is an important area for water resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage.