Bio-Itzá Leads Coordinated Effort to Replant Trees After June Fires
“The health of the ecosystems on which we and other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever.
We are eroding the very foundations of economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.”
– Robert Watson, Chair of IBPES
According to the UN’s Global Assessment Report released by IBPES earlier this year, the earth’s natural
rhythms that support animal and plant life are being impacted by human activity at unprecedented rates.
Consider these facts:
- Biomass of wild mammals has fallen by 82%
- Natural ecosystems have lost about half their area
- One million species are at risk of extinction
The human footprint is growing:
- Three-quarters of all land has been converted or altered
- Two-thirds of the marine environment is impacted
- Three-quarters of rivers and lakes are used for agriculture
In 2018, 3.6m hectares (8.9m acres) of tropical forest were lost. What will the outcome be in 2019?
1. What was the main cause of fire in the reserve this season?
In Petén, 98% of fires are caused by humans and 2% by natural factors such as lightning and high temperatures.
The main causes include:
- Hunters using fire to drive animals from burrows
- Honey extractors using fire for protection from bees
Fires also occurred on the boundaries due to clearing land for agriculture. Often, fire crosses into the Reserve.
Aderito is the driving force today and son of the founder, Reginaldo Chayax.
2. How many acres of forest were lost?
Approximately 900 hectares (2,224 acres).
3. How many trees were replanted?
A total of 1,100 trees across four species:
- Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
- Pukté (Terminalia buceras)
- Jabin (Piscidia piscipula)
- Tinto (Heamatoxylum campechianum)
Natural seed dispersion was also supported.
4. How many people participated?
56 people took part in the reforestation effort.
5. What organizations were involved?
- Tikal National Park – Donated 1,100 trees
- Rescuing Petén Initiative – 40 volunteers
- MARN – 1 vehicle for volunteers
- AMPI – Truck for transport of personnel, food & tools
- CONRED – 9 trained firefighters for logistics
- Congregation of Sioux Falls, USA – Funds for food, fuel & water
- Bio-Itzá Association – Coordination & Rangers
- Phia Lab – Ongoing support for Rangers & logistics
This collaboration shows that small coordinated efforts deliver tangible benefits and encourage others worldwide.
Support the Cause
Small donations can help maintain the beat of this Guatemalan forest.
Donate to Phia’s Shield the Source Fund
Learn more about the UN Global Assessment Report:
Read the article