Protecting the Selva Maya in Guatemala, Belize and Mexico

Context

The Selva Maya covers parts of Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. It is the largest contiguous area of tropical rainforest in Mesoamerica and is crucial for the climate and the regional water supply.

However, the forest is being cleared for livestock and farming and is suffering the effects of illegal logging and the extraction of flora and fauna. So far, not enough measures exist to counter these threats.

Objective

Regional cooperation to protect the Selva Maya has improved: the countries are implementing forest and biodiversity conservation measures.

Approach

The project focuses on four main areas:

1. It advises governments and conservation area authorities in Guatemala, Mexico and Belize on policy and monitoring tools aimed at providing better protection for the Selva Maya.
2. It advises the relevant authorities on how to combat forest fires, forest conservation, measures to prevent the prohibited extraction of flora and fauna and climate-related health problems.
3. It builds partnerships with the specialist agencies and training organisations which implement these approaches to restoring the forest landscape of the Selva Maya and adapting it to climate change.
4. It works with the private sector to mobilise additional means for conserving the forest and biodiversity and supports local small and medium-sized business in their efforts to market sustainable products from the Selva Maya.

To this end, the project is collaborating with the Team Europe Initiative “Sustainable Petén – Component 2: Forest/Biodiversity”, the Selva Maya II project and the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) of the Central American Integration System (SICA).

Last updated: Februar 2025