South Chiquibul Joint Enforcement Unit launched to offset poaching

Over the last ten to fifteen years, the increased presence of primarily illegal Guatemalans squatters, cutting timber and xate, coupled with poaching of the Scarlet Macaw, have called for increased law enforcement presence in the Chiquibul; particularly in the less accessible southern areas. Well, today the Ceibo Chico Conservation Post and the South Chiquibul Joint Enforcement Unit were launched in the Chiquibul National Park. The Ceibo Chico Conservation Post, situated on the extreme southern flank of the Chiquibul Forest, is the result of a Cabinet directive to bolster enforcement in the Chiquibul Forest. The joint forces unit is made up of Friends of Conservation and Development park rangers, B.D.F. soldiers, Forest Department and Police personnel who are tasked with addressing the ongoing illegal activities taking place in the southern region of the Chiquibul Forest. Minister Lisel Alamilla unveiled the plaque commemorating the launch of the Conservation Post and the four institutions signed the Ceibo Chico Protocol. The protocol stipulates the standing operating procedures and specifies the role of each participating institution. Following the launch, Friends of Conservation and Development was officially recognized as the organization to administrate and manage the Las Cuevas Research Station located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Funding for the installation of the Ceibo Chico Conservation Post was obtained from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust and international agencies.