Saving the Cerro San Gil protected area from encroachment

The Cerro San Gil protected area is the largest remnant of very humid tropical forest in the Caribbean region of Guatemala. The area harbours an astonishing biodiversity despite its relatively small size and is known for its high levels of endemism in flora and fauna. Cerro San Gil's single most important threat is the community of Samaria, partially located inside the core area of the PA. This community is rapidly deteriorating the remnants of cloud forest above 900 meters, a unique niche within the PA. This ecological drama mirrors the social and human dilemma; the community is located a 4-hours walk from the nearest road, lives on poor soils and is lacking any social services and infrastructure. This community becomes poorer year after year, and the only option of survival is further encroachment of the forest. Faced with this dilemma FUNDAECO started negotiations 5 years ago, to relocate the community to better agricultural lands outside the PA for the benefit of both the rainforest and the community of Samaria. New land (450 hectares) is now located and an agreement is signed with the community. SPN funding will allow FUNDAECO to purchase the area for which, in exchange, all rights of the area currently occupied (495 ha) and claimed (1200 ha) by the community will be relinquished to the National Council of Protected Areas and FUNDAECO (the 'claimed' land will become property of NCPA only). The state of Guatemala, through its Social Funds, will provide minimal housing, latrines, school building and an access road, while FUNDAECO will provide technical assistance for productive and sustainable projects in the community.

The Cerro San Gil protected area is the largest remnant of very humid tropical forest in the Caribbean region of Guatemala. FUNDAECO co-manages the Protected Area (PA) and although the area is successfully managed and protected, Cerro San Gil’s single most important threat was the community of Samaria, partially located inside the core area of the PA. FUNDAECO long ago started negotiations to relocate this community to an area outside the PA, to reduce the pressure on the forest and improve the living conditions of the community members. With SPN funds and assisted by government authorities, FUNDAECO has bought 145 hectares of good agricultural land in the bufferzone of the PA and successfully relocated the community.