Evolving with Climate Change

For over 8,000 years, the Maya forest gardeners have been sustaining and cultivating the Maya Forest with their Indigenous scientific practices. Preserving their knowledge about conservation and prosperity will help us develop solutions for our global environmental crisis.

Maya forest gardener planting a small tree in a cleared field

Solutions to Challenges in the Maya Forest

Aerial view of land that has been deforested after land use
Belize from 2014 vs 1994

Manage Land Cover

A focus on short-term profits can damage the environment. Long-term strategies like the milpa cycle support land regeneration.

Food scarcity vs bounty

Establish Food Sovereignty

Imports can be unreliable as seen with COVID-19. Local products grown from home gardens provide communal food sovereignty.

Flooded bridge 2008 vs before

Tackle Climate Change

At the current rate, we risk continually confronting environmental crises. Incorporating Indigenous practices will build toward sustainable success.

Forest Gardens as a Climate Solution

maya glyph of sun beaming down

Lowers Temperature

Reduces Erosion

maya glyph of tree

Builds Soil Fertility

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Conserves Water

Maintains Biodiversity

To Care for Our People & Planet

A large group of maya forest gardeners and archeologists in the forest

The Team

Our dedicated members drive this mission on-site in Belize and Guatemala to global conferences. We promote education, sustainable agriculture, and the adoption of the Maya forest gardening tradition. Join our cause and make an impact with the El Pilar Gardens Network today!

Our Regional Focus

Spread throughout present-day Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, the tropical Maya Forest is home to Maya Forest Gardeners. Our Network includes farmers based in the Belize and Guatemala regions.

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Your Support Grows the Earth

Stand up for the conservation of the Maya forest gardening tradition. Your support will help this valuable knowledge survive for centuries to come, while helping us cultivate solutions for our global environmental crisis.

Maya Forest Gardeners is a project of Exploring Solutions Past, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are fully tax-deductible. 

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