03.10.2025
From September 18 to 20, 2025, the Petén region of Guatemala hosted the launch session of the ConForMa – Towards Concerted Forest Management for the Future project, attended by numerous local and international partners.
A project to strengthen community forest management
The ConForMa project, managed by Cirad, aims to support community forest concessions in implementing innovative and resilient management models in the face of anthropogenic, climatic, and economic challenges.
It is structured around four key components:
ATIBT – project partner with Cirad and Rainforest Alliance, among others.
ATIBT will contribute in particular to Component 2 of the project, supporting the diversification of species and the promotion of tropical timber in new niche markets. The Association will develop Tropix technical data sheets, visibility initiatives at international trade fairs (Carrefour International du Bois, World of Wood, Interzum, Ligna) and networking opportunities with European and North American buyers.
Nathalie Bouville, ATIBT Communications Manager, took part in part of this mission during three days of fieldwork and discussions:
These days provided an opportunity to combine scientific knowledge, community practices, and market prospects in a spirit of co-construction.
Widespread institutional and community mobilization
The highlight of this mission was the official signing of the bilateral agreement between CIRAD and ACOFOP, marking a new stage in cooperation for the preservation and sustainable development of the forest ecosystems of the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
The launch of the project brought together an international delegation, including Ms. Elisabeth Claverie de Saint Martin, CEO of CIRAD, and Mr. Yann Lorvo, Regional Advisor to the French Embassy in Guatemala, alongside researchers, representatives of the European Union, institutional representatives, and local communities.
Participants included:
This launch is an essential step towards consolidating the community-based management model for forest ecosystems in the Maya Biosphere Reserve and strengthening its international visibility.