Awareness of environmental issues among communities in the Maya Biosphere Reserve manifests itself through acute problems such as decreased soil fertility, smaller crop yields, scarcer firewood, fewer wild animals, hotter summers and less rainfall. Elders in the Maya Biosphere Reserve remember when the forests were untouched, wildlife abundant, soil productive, and rainfall plentiful. They witnessed the clearing of the forests, the pollution of waterways, and the over-exploitation of the soils and wildlife. The ramifications of this local and regional environmental collapse pose challenges for both nature conservation and the rural families whose livelihoods depend on ecological services such as healthy soils and ample rainfall.
Many rural families desire change, but are often unaware of potential improvements. Journeys in Conservation teaches local families that with carefully planned resource use which addresses the sources of local environmental degradation, we can restore ecological balance and improve rural quality of life. Our methods to convey this message are manifold. In addition to promoting agroforestry and integrated farming techniques, we teach environmental education via our nutrition program.
Guatemala has the highest rate of malnutrition in Latin America with nearly 50% of children physically or mentally stunted by the age of 5 due to a lack of macro and micronutrients in their diet. Unfortunately, many of these stunted children will never reach their full growth potential. Malnutrition is highest in rural areas where poverty, insufficient education, and mono-crop production make access to diverse, nutritious food difficult and expensive.
Journeys in Conservation and our local partner Proyecto Ecológico Sol y Verde teach women and children the importance of and provide know-how and supplies for growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the small spaces around their family homes. Through lessons in organic gardening, we teach ecology and plants’ relationships with the soil, pollinators, and other natural elements. This interactive instruction conveys the value of local ecological services from the rainforest surrounding these communities — why they should be protected and sustainably utilized, not exploited to the point of destruction. At the end of the program, each student is given a food bearing seedling from our tree nursery, and they are instructed in its longterm care. We periodically follow up with the participating children/families to ensure they have the resources and support to grow up big, strong, smart and with a healthy appreciation for the natural world around them. Better food on the table, grown in small spaces plus an understanding of nature’s importance means less pressure of local forests from hunting and slash-and-burn agriculture.