Trinational Initiative to Protect a Rainforest Rich in Wildlife and Mayan Heritage

The Belize Forest Department launched the Selva Maya II project to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Selva Maya, a vast rainforest that spans Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This project aims to manage and conserve the area, which is home to rare wildlife and important Mayan cultural sites.

The region faces significant threats like illegal logging, forest fires, and unsustainable farming, so the project focuses on improving the management of conservation areas and restoring natural resources. The initiative is a coordinated effort between the three countries involved, working to address these challenges in a more integrated way.

Funded by the German government with EUR 20.5 million, the project focuses on key protected areas in Belize, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and other national parks and reserves. These areas are crucial for preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species like jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans. The project also aims to improve the management of these areas, promoting sustainable practices such as eco-friendly farming and conservation efforts beyond protected zones. In addition, the initiative supports the development of biocorridors, which help wildlife travel safely between conservation areas.

One of the key objectives of the project is to foster stronger cross-border cooperation between Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This includes the formation of a Strategic Coordination Group, where organisations from each country exchange knowledge and strategies for conservation. The project also aims to directly benefit around 15,000 low-income families in the region, many of whom rely on agriculture, forestry, and tourism for their livelihoods. By promoting sustainable practices, the project helps secure these livelihoods while preserving the rainforest.

The project not only helps protect the Selva Maya ecosystem but also supports broader global goals, such as climate action, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation. By reducing deforestation, preventing forest fires, and supporting sustainable development, the project contributes to the climate and water regulation of the region. This effort aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, gender equality, and life on land.