The Mayan biosphere was created in response to environmental attacks. Corruption and a lack of strategic planning has left the land largely unprotected. Local inhabitants slash and burn large areas to plant corn and cattle farmers are burning the forests at alarming rates. Fires endanger everyone and destroy valuable animal habitats. The cattle industry moved to Peten in the last decade deforesting huge tracks of land without the slightest concern for the environment. An unfair battle is playing out on the land as small non profits stand up to against large private corporations and drug dealers with monetary interests in the area while residents are losing valuable land, trees, water and livelihoods.

Wood is the primary fossil fuel for cooking in the region, many residents, usually elderly women and children, walk up to 3 miles a day to obtain firewood and residents use plastic bottles as fire starter. At HIA we prohibit the use of plastics for starting fires because of the toxicity and instead, residents are learning to use bottles in other ways, making eco- bricks for new classroom constructions and art projects. We have also partnered with Rainforest Alliance to promote their campaign Save the Peten and also to source FSC certified wood for our carpentry needs.

To date, Hearts in Action has worked tirelessly with our 450 families and the community at large to combat the effects of deforestation and habitat loss. We have made ecology and conservation a priority on the HIA campus and with your help will continue to promote awareness of the importance of the Mayan Biosphere,  the water of Lake Itza and the incredible but endangered biodiversity in the Peten jungle.