About Guatemala

Guatemala nestled in Central America has significant biodiversity and cultural importance. This nation was home to the ancient Maya civilization and still boasts archaeological remnants of these cultures.

It is also home to the Maya Forest which is the second largest contiguous forest in the Americas after the Amazon. This lush tropical forest contains several important Maya ruins and is also home to jaguars, pumas, tapirs, Scarlet Macaws, Crested Guans, giant anteater and a variety of other plant and animal species. All of this makes it an impor

The Sierra Madre volcanic range, in southwestern Guatemala forms the fabled Islands in the Sky around Lake Atitlan. This volcanic chain and the Lake is a scenic spot that makes it an important tourist destination. The Conservancy has been working with partner organizations to help the local communities here grow and sell shade-grown and organic coffee. The Conservancy is also working on a large reforestation project here to protect the landscape from future hurricanes.

The Conservancy is also working in Eastern Guatemala in the hot, dry Motagua Valley, situated at the foothills of the Sierra de las Minas mountain range. This area has the lowest recorded precipitation in Central America and its flora consists mostly of thorn scrub. This extreme climate has resulted in the evolution of many endemic species including the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard, a close relative of the venomous Gila Monster.

Throughout Guatemala the Conservancy works closely with the government and partners like Fundacion Defensores de la Naturaleza and Vivamos Mejor. The Conservancy is working to create and strengthen protected areas and municipal reserves, help communities with alternate sustainable livelihoods, reforestation and innovative conservation tools like debt-for-nature swaps.