������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��

Peten, Guatemala, December 04, 2024 – The Selva Maya is the largest tropical forest in Latin America after the Amazon, spanning over ten million hectares across the triangle border area of Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. This vital ecosystem is home to multiple endangered species and a vast cultural heritage, plays a crucial role in maintaining regional water balance and acts as a significant carbon sink. However, it faces severe threats, such as fragmentation, wildfires, illegal logging and agricultural expansion.��

With a total budget exceeding €20 million and a duration of five years (2024–2028), the second phase of the "Protection of the Natural and Cultural Resources of the Selva Maya” project aims at strengthening integrated, coordinated, and participatory management of natural and cultural heritage in priority areas, for the conservation and restoration of the region.����

“This is a collaborative effort in which the participation of national counterparts responsible for managing natural resources is essential. It is also important to highlight that this project contributes to achieving the goals adopted by the three countries under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” stated Rodrigo Flores, Program Manager for the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.����

According to Raquel Sigüenza, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Representative in Guatemala, “This project aims to strengthen the integrated and participatory management of the Selva Maya's natural and cultural heritage, promoting cooperation among the three countries, ensuring ecosystem protection, and supporting regional coordination for biodiversity conservation.” @Oscar Villeda/������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ����

��

The project’s intervention area includes 33 Prioritized Protected Areas (PPAs) in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. This initiative integrates the efforts of the governing institutions from each country: the Forest Department of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change of Belize; Guatemala’s��National Counsil of Protected Areas (CONAP); and Mexico’s��National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), which, together with the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD), form the Selva Maya Strategic Coordination Group (GEC).��

“This project is a perfect fit with our country’s restoration goals. There is also a commitment to strengthen ties with Guatemala and Belize, which will be crucial for the project’s implementation”, commented Yadira Gómez, General Director of Operations at CONANP.��

Through events held in all three countries, KfW and ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� officially launched the call for applications to access the grant mechanism through which Selva Maya II will finance sub-projects; two open calls will focus on the 33 PPAs and their connectivity zones. The first call invites civil society organizations and organizations co-managing PPAs to submit proposals in partnership with national authorities, under two funding lines: conservation of intact forest landscapes within PPAs; and improving connectivity in forest landscapes and biological corridors.��

National launch of the first grant call in Cancun, Mexico. @Giulia Clerici/������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ����

��

Projects financed through the grant mechanism must contribute to strengthening the effective management of protected areas and connectivity between them, while allowing for inclusive integration of local communities, women, youth, and indigenous peoples.��

“I am convinced that any approach or initiative for the Selva Maya must aim to invest in people and recognize the deep connection between our culture, traditions, and the environment. Belize is Selva Maya, and we can achieve much if we work together toward a common goal,” said Hon. Orlando Habet, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, during the launch event in the aformentioned country.��

The Minister of Sustainable Development of Belize, Hon. Orlando Habet, emphasized the inclusion of local communities and Indigenous peoples as a priority in governance. @Giulia Clerici/������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ����

��

Selva Maya II builds on the achievements of its first phase (2017–2021), carried out in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (through the german cooperation agency GIZ). Key accomplishments include improved infrastructure in protected areas, enhanced capacity for monitoring and enforcement, greater prevention and control of forest fires, and contributions to the economic sustainability of communities in protected areas and their surrounding zones through the development of sustainable productive activities.

“In this second phase, we hope to continue supporting communities, families, and producers to implement good practices for ecosystem care and conservation. These partnerships will allow us to achieve broader objectives, reach more people, and work closer with more communities”, said Marlene Guerrero, State Coordinator for Campeche at Fund for Peace, during the event held in Mexico.��

Those interested in learning more about the open call, may visit the following link: . In addition, they may register for the first webinar, to be held between next Tuesday, December 10th to learn further details about the application process.��

"This is an invitation for all partners to think positively. The challenge is immense, we need to restore and conserve, but now it is the time to let our minds soar and seek out ideas because we have a big opportunity, and this project comes to enhance these efforts," stated Gerardo Paiz, Executive Subsecretary of CONAP, during the launch event held in Guatemala.��