(Guatemala’s Laguna Grande Reserve. Credit: FUNDAECO Archive)
There are many critically important ecosystems on this planet that demand conscious effort and resources to protect. One such vital ecosystem is the Laguna Grande Reserve in Guatemala. This lush and diverse landscape is not only a haven for wildlife but also plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Carbon Balanced Paper, in partnership with World Land Trust, are ensuring that this precious habitat is preserved to benefit both the environment and local communities.
The Importance of the Laguna Grande Reserve
The Laguna Grande Reserve is considered a carbon sink – an especially unique ecosystem that captures and stores significant amounts of carbon. Known colloquially amongst conservation circles as “The Conservation Coast”, the reserve is also home to an array of iconic species, including Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir, and West Indian Manatee. It also serves as a crucial buffer against natural disasters for one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. The area’s preservation is essential in maintaining its biodiversity and role in ecological balance.
The Role of Carbon Balancing in Conservation
For the uninitiated, carbon balancing involves offsetting carbon emissions by investing in projects that reduce or sequester carbon dioxide. By supporting initiatives like the Laguna Grande Reserve, Carbon Balanced Paper helps World Land Trust to mitigate the impact of carbon emissions generated by the print and paper industries, contributing to significant global efforts in combatting climate change. The Laguna Grande Reserve project is a prime example of how carbon balancing can lead to tangible environmental and social benefits.
World Land Trust’s project in Guatemala is also externally verified to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCB).
How Carbon Balancing Supports Laguna Grande
Laguna Grande is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting 359 species of birds, including 90 migratory species, and 126 species of mammals, with 20 endemic to Mesoamerica. Larger species like the Jaguar, West Indian Manatee, and Neotropical Otter thrive in this habitat.
The expansion of the Laguna Grande Reserve, which is financially supported through carbon balancing, aims to protect an additional 3,294 acres (1,333 hectares) of forest. This expansion is crucial as the area faces significant threats from timber extraction, cattle ranching, and agricultural plantation expansion. With all the aforementioned practices on the rise, it was likely that some of these habitats were going to be sold to logging companies. However, in 2021 the World Land Trust launched the most ambitious project in its 33-year history; dubbed Guardians of Nimla Ha’ – and raised over £1.3 million to purchase and conserve two large swaths of private land. These donations helped triple the size of the Reserve to over 2,000 hectares. The project is co-managed by FUNDAECO, a conservation organization with over 20 years of experience, in partnership with the local Indigenous association Amantes de la Tierra. Together, they work to safeguard the forest and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
By supporting the Laguna Grande project, our carbon balancing initiatives help reduce emissions from deforestation by an estimated 728,161 tCO2e annually. This reduction is achieved through robust systems for forest monitoring, surveillance, law enforcement, and conservation education, all designed to protect the forest and its biodiversity.
Enhancing Community and Environmental Health
Our carbon balancing efforts do more than just protect the environment – they also enhance the well-being of local communities. The project aids hundreds of landowners and local communities in obtaining land titles to protect 133,827 acres (54,158 hectares) of threatened coastal forest. FUNDAECO collaborates with over 3,000 families, providing training in sustainable agroforestry systems and creating ecotourism jobs. These initiatives help improve local livelihoods, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and economic development.
“So much was at stake at Laguna Grande, but thanks to WLT supporters, we can protect it in perpetuity,” says Marco Cerezo, CEO of FUNDAECO.
Marta Tiul Cabnal, a Q’eqchi’ community member who lives just 15 minutes by boat from Laguna Grande, explains how safeguarding the area has long been part of Q’eqchi’ culture. “Our ancestors used to observe a ritual known as mayejak, where permission would be asked every time a tree was cut or crops were planted. That’s something communities continue to practice because we know the forest and animals do not belong to us – if we take, we have to ask first. Our communities need their landscape: it is the air we breathe and our sustainable source of food and shelter.”
A Model for Future Conservation
The success of the Laguna Grande Reserve project offers a clear blueprint for future conservation initiatives. By protecting much-needed habitat for threatened species and providing natural solutions to the climate crisis, the project demonstrates the profound impact that well-coordinated conservation efforts can have on both people and wildlife. With benefits shared across communities and ecosystems, Laguna Grande stands as a testament to the power of collaborative, sustainable conservation.
Carbon Balanced Paper is proud to support World Land Trust projects like the Laguna Grande Reserve in Guatemala that not only help balance carbon emissions but also contribute to the preservation of our planet’s most precious ecosystems. By investing in carbon balancing, we can protect vital habitats, support local communities, and ensure a sustainable future for all. These efforts in carbon balancing are not just about reducing emissions; they are about creating a healthier and more resilient world for future generations.
For more information on World Land Trust, visit www.worldlandtrust.org
Fore more information on Carbon Balanced Paper North America, email us at info@carbonbalancedpaperna.com
