"Seeds of Resilience: An Indigenous Women-Led Tree

Your unwavering commitment to the Highland Support Project has driven critical progress in addressing ecological degradation and social inequities in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. Together, we are creating innovative solutions that empower communities while restoring fragile ecosystems. We’re thrilled to share this year’s key achievements and impacts from your generosity.

Project Highlights

Restoring Forest Ecosystems through Community Action:

Thanks to your support, the "Bosques Vivos, Comunidades Prósperas" initiative will provide native species—such as white pine, red pine, alder, and oak—needed to restore 12 hectares of communal forest in Chuicutama. These efforts directly address erosion, water retention challenges, and biodiversity loss caused by deforestation.

Espumpuja Tree Nursery is now a thriving hub, growing over 100,000 saplings annually to fuel reforestation in degraded highlands. Sustainable agroforestry pilots are underway, integrating reforestation with food production to boost local incomes while reinforcing soil health.

Indigenous-Led Conservation Models:

This project prioritizes Indigenous and local community involvement, ensuring traditional ecological knowledge shapes strategies for land management. By combining this expertise with innovative practices like agroforestry and water management, your support helps communities implement sustainable solutions that align with their cultural values.

Strengthening Communities through Ecosystem-based Adaptation:

The project’s ecosystem-based adaptations (AbE) tackle foundational issues like soil restoration, water infrastructure strengthening, and environmental education. This holistic approach has helped foster stronger governance models within the community, promoting long-term resilience and equity.

Empowering Youth through “Citizen Science”:

Twenty youth leaders are being trained to monitor forest health, water quality, and biodiversity. These “citizen scientists” protect resources while transferring critical skills and knowledge to future generations.

Your Impact

• 220 Beneficiaries Reached: This includes 55 families committed to improving food security and water access over the next year.

• Women Empowered: Over 132 women have been directly involved as participants, leading agroforestry projects and attending environmental education workshops.

• 12 Hectares Reforested: Through the Espumpuja nursery, native trees are returning to degraded hillsides, benefiting both ecosystems and livelihoods.

These reforestation and agroforestry efforts mitigate challenges like soil erosion, degraded water cycles, and biodiversity loss while directly addressing the socio-economic disenfranchisement that traps families in cycles of poverty. By ensuring sustainable practices align with community needs, this work proves that ecological restoration and human well-being go hand in hand.

We remain steadfast in our belief that lasting change stems from empowering local communities to take ownership of their shared lands and destinies. Your involvement has made this approach possible, breaking ground both figuratively and literally for lasting solutions.

From addressing ecological degradation to advancing social justice, this work would not exist without the compassion and commitment of donors like you. You are part of a legacy that bridges. So, as we look towards a greener future for Guatemala’s highlands, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us on this journey. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on communities and ecosystems alike. Let's keep moving forward with hope and determination.