Conservation Projects

The Wildlife Conservation Society identified the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb area as one of the last 20 biggest wildlife areas in Mesoamerica.

In response the key needs of the Management plan formulated by Friends for Conservation and Development, the imminent tangible objectives for the Chiquibul National Park specific to the type of project taken on by Trekforce include:

1. Continued scientific research and establishment of a database
2. Promoting reforestation and minimising threats to habitats and species
3. Set up infrastructure with adequate access points
4. Improve visitor use and facilities
5. Address security and border issues

Trekforce are experienced in grassroots infrastructure projects, scientific data collection and exploration. As such, our first two projects for 2008 addressed points no. 1, 3 and 5.

Achievements

In February and March 2008, a Trekforce group cleared the northern boundary of the national park, and another group constructed an observation post deep into the park. Read more about our 2008 conservation projects.

Further management issues set out by FCD for the park include:

1. A Control Center with support equipment
   
2. Generate income from environmental services
3. Develop and awareness programme and promote awareness in border communities
4. Establish a multi-agency support mechanism
5. Dialogue with Guatemala counterparts
6. Instituting a peace park management and conservation program for the Chiquibl trans-boundary ecosystem.