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Conservancy saves 77,000 acres in Guatemala’s Sierra Del Lacandón National Park

July 11, 2006

The Nature Conservancy recently purchased two major pieces of privately owned land in the Sierra Del Lacandón National Park in Guatemala. These 77,000 acres were the largest privately owned areas in the park. The Lacandón National Park is home to several endangered species such as puma, jaguar, tapir, anteater, howler monkey, ocelot, scarlet macaw and the Moreletti crocodile—which is unique to this region of Central America.

While Sierra Del Lacandón was declared a national park in 1990, these two pieces of land were held by private landowners. The two properties, called “Naranjitos I and II,” were two of the largest intact and biologically diverse tracts of privately owned rainforest remaining in Guatemala. They also contain several Mayan ruins and are home to cenotes—water-filled limestone sink holes filled with endemic species. Lacandón encompasses large stands of broad leaf subtropical rainforest, unique geological formations, freshwater lakes, mountain ranges and low-lying savanna plains.

This $2.4 million deal was reached by the Conservancy and long-time partner Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza, a Guatemalan organization established in 1983 to promote the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the country's natural resources. According to the purchase agreement, the Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza will own and manage the land while the Conservancy assists by providing stewardship and technical assistance. The Fundación Defensores de la Naturaleza currently manages four of Guatemala's national parks, representing 5 percent of the country's territory and 80 percent of known flora and fauna.

In 2000, the Conservancy and Defensores developed a conservation strategy for the Lacandón Park. During this process, the two groups identified Naranjitos I and II as priority areas and began working toward purchasing them and expanding the park.

The Conservancy has been helping to conserve biodiversity in Guatemala for the past 16 years. During this time we have worked closely with local organizations and in collaboration with communities and the national government.

The park is in the Maya Forest, a 13.3 million acre region shared by Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, home to the most significant big cat population in North America and the largest jaguar habitat outside of the Amazon.

For More Information:

• Where We Work: The Nature Conservancy in Guatemala
  The Nature Conservancy and local partner organizations are working together to protect Guatemala's stunning natural and cultural heritage, from the majestic Sierra Madre Volcanoes to the extensive Maya Forest surrounding the ancient Mayan city of Tikal.
• Places We Protect: Sierra Del Lacandón National Park
  Saving land in Lacandón.
• Press Release: The Nature Conservancy Protects 77,000 Acres of Pristine Forest in the Maya Forest of Guatemala
  One of the largest and most intact privately owned forest lands in Guatemala is now protected from development.
• Archive of our Saves of the Week and Success Stories
  Read more about The Nature Conservancy's work to save the last great places on Earth.