Launch of the ConForMa project in Petén (Guatemala): a collective dynamic for the future of the Maya Biosphere Reserve

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:

Innovation in technical practices for community forest management.
Development of inclusive value chains and diversification of forest species and products.
Building strategic alliances for a shared vision of sustainability.
Promoting the community forest management model at regional and international level.

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:

September 18 – Uaxactún: signing ceremony for the CIRAD–ACOFOP agreement, followed by a field visit showcasing the diversity of forest products (chewing gum (Manilkara Chicle), Xate (palm used in floral arrangements), Maya nuts, leaves and seeds of Pimienta Gorda. Fire risk management was also presented, along with discussions on forestry innovations, alternative markets for tropical species, and biological monitoring prospects.

September 19 – Cruce a la Colorada: focus on active restoration and the creation of strategic participatory alliances. Researchers and technicians presented community nurseries, restored areas, areas to be restored, and biological monitoring systems.
September 20: the mission concluded with a visit to the archaeological site of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided by the site director and technical director, participants discovered the historical and cultural importance of this ancient center of Mayan civilization, whose monumental temples and urban planning bear witness to the ingenuity and wealth of this civilization.

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:

CIRAD (France and Latin America)
French Embassy in Guatemala
ATIBT
Rainforest Alliance (Guatemala)
CATIE (Costa Rica)
CEMCA
ACOFOP (Guatemala), its technical teams and community-based organizations
CONAP (National Council for Protected Areas, Guatemala)
International technical partners: GIZ, AECID, Swiss Contact, FAO

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.