EU funding for the forest-wood sector in Guatemala with focus on the Selva Maya

10.04.2026

In a context of transformation in the forest-wood sector, marked by increasing requirements in terms of sustainability, traceability, and responsible investment, the European Union (EU) has established new mechanisms and financial instruments to support high-impact projects aligned with the Global Gateway strategy in priority regions for ATIBT—particularly the Mayan Forest (Selva Maya) in Guatemala.

These mechanisms and financial instruments are particularly relevant for actions led by ATIBT, especially within the Global Gateway flagships such as the Team Europe Initiative Promoting the ecological transition of Peten, where the France-funded project ConforMa and the EU-Germany funded project Promoting the sustainable management of forest and biodiverse systems in Peten are being implemented in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Main priority areas of intervention of the TEI Promoting the ecological transition of Peten in the forestry sector

Sustainable forest management, conservation and legality
Structuring resilient and traceable value chains
Development of local wood processing
Support for the private sector, particularly SMEs

EU Global Gateway mechanisms

The Global Gateway Investment Hub serves as a structured entry point, allowing European private sector to submit their infrastructure project proposals and support needs through a Team National (Member State) for screening. Applications from European companies require the preparation of a detailed project brief outlining the business model, financing needs, and expected impacts. The Investment Hub is not a financing mechanism, but a coordination and facilitation platform to access support, a bridge between project sponsors, public authorities and financiers and a way to mobilise a Team Europe approach around investment projects.

The European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) Open Architecture Guarantees enables the mobilization of private investments through guarantees, de-risking and supporting investment projects that contribute to the Global Gateway priorities with focus on the development of infrastructures and /or value chains that are sustainable, transparent, and aligned with the EU’s high standards. Applications from European and local companies require the preparation of a detailed project brief outlining the business model, financing needs, and expected impact. Private investors are encouraged to get involved by getting in touch with the relevant implementing partners using the contact information provided in the link.

These EU-funded programmes and mechanisms represent a concrete opportunity for European and local private sector entities to:

Deploy sustainable forest management investment projects
Strengthen regulatory compliance (EUDR, legality, traceability)
Support innovation and transformation in the wood sector
Structure partnerships and blended financing

A call to action for ATIBT members

ATIBT encourages its members and partners to seize these opportunities by developing solid, bankable investment projects in the priority areas and submitting them through the relevant communication channels. The ATIBT teams and the EU-funded projects remain available to support the identification and structuring of these initiatives. Representatives from these entities will be present at the upcoming Carrefour International du Bois trade fair in Nantes from June 2 to 4 and will be available to provide further information and respond to any inquiries. For further information you can reach us at info@atitbt.org.