Help Restore the Maya Golden Landscape

Following the devastating forest fires in the Maya Golden Landscape (MGL) earlier this year, Ya’axché Conservation Trust has been actively supporting impacted farmers in their recovery efforts.

In June 2024, our Community Outreach and Sustainable Livelihoods Team conducted damage assessments across ten communities. Collaborating closely with farmers and community leaders, we uncovered that:

• 14 smallholder farmers within Ya’axché’s network were severely affected, suffering extensive crop damage.
• 38 acres of farmland were destroyed, including valuable cacao crops and agroforestry systems that supported fruit and timber trees.
• The estimated value of crops lost totalled BZ$213,180.00 (US$106,590.00).
• Beyond farmland, the fires devastated forests, degraded topsoil, and disrupted habitats for native wildlife and migratory bird species.

In response, Ya’axché mobilized resources to deliver immediate relief and support long-term recovery efforts. With generous assistance from the local Rotary Club of Punta Gorda and Belize Tourism Industry Association- Toledo Chapter, we distributed cacao and shade tree seedlings to affected farmers. These seedlings are helping to restore agroforestry plots, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and creating habitats, thus helping to preserve biodiversity in the MGL.

Additionally, we facilitated training sessions on sustainable agroforestry practices and conducted a two-day fire management workshop. The fire management training equipped farmers and community leaders with basic knowledge to safely manage controlled burns and mitigate future fire risks.

To further aid recovery, we facilitated planning sessions, assisting farmers in developing farm plans for sustainable rebuilding. This initiative empowers farmers to create resilient and productive agricultural systems.

While the road to recovery continues, through the support of our donors we are making meaningful progress. Looking ahead, we aim to:

• Equip communities with fire response tools to enhance their capacity to act quickly and effectively during future threats.
• Collaborate with communities to develop Community-Led Fire Response Plans that prioritize fire prevention, preparedness, and response.

With your support, we can continue restoring livelihoods, safeguarding biodiversity, and building resilience in the Maya Golden Landscape. Every contribution—big or small—plays a vital role in protecting people, forests, and wildlife for generations to come.