Training of Forest Guards

Background

In the region, 85% of the population lives in poverty and subsistence agriculture is the primary activity. Unfortunately, trees are being cut down at an alarming rate to clear land for agriculture and for firewood. This not only leads to a loss of forest habitat, it also reduces soil nutrients, water table levels, and water quality.

EcoLogic and the Alliance are working together to promote forest stewardship in order to conserve forests and raise environmental awareness within communities.

Project Description

EcoLogic selects and trains forest guards to protect the community forests and promote environmental education within the communities to encourage sustainable use of forest resources.

The forest guards patrol forests to protect them from illegal logging and human-caused forest fires. They also promote natural regeneration of degraded areas and in some case reforest areas with seedlings grown in community nurseries.

Forest guards are trained by EcoLogic to understand the science behind forest management, ensuring best practices are used effectively. Forest guards are also trained to educate their communities about forest management and its benefits, as well as their own role in protecting the forests.

Progress

Since 2005, EcoLogic and the Alliance have supported the environmental leaders within communities. In 2006, EcoLogic worked with the Fund for the Conservation of Nature to organize and train 75 forest guards in 75 communities. Through their work, 1,500 hectares of forest have been protected and, since then, 80,000 trees have naturally regenerated. A radio program was also developed and is being broadcast to share environmental knowledge and experiences.

Partner

The Northern Border Municipalities Alliance is a coalition of seven municipalities in the Departments of Huehuetenango and Quiché that was incorporated in 2005 by their mayors, with support from EcoLogic, to promote forest stewardship. The Executive Committee of the Alliance oversees project execution and the chair of the Committee is its legal representative.