Sarstun River, Guatemala/S. Charchalac

In 2007 EcoLogic began collaborating with Ak’Tenamit (Q’eqchi for “New Village”) to help ensure Guatemalan voices are heard in the complex bi-national environmental management arrangement with Belize.

The river, spelled "Sarstun" by Guatemalans and "Sarstoon" by Belizeans, is a major source of livelihoods for bordering communities; its use is often a source of tension between the two countries.

Over the next three years, EcoLogic will help finalize and put into practice a bi-national Sarstoon Basin Watershed Management Plan that fairly represents the interests of the Sarstun Wildlife Refuge’s indigenous population and develops sustainable livelihood alternatives to overfishing. Areas of focus will be:

Water

• Training New Village student teams in community consultation methods
• Completing a comprehensive consultation process with 18 communities
• Facilitating the development of local watershed management plans as a precursor to a bi-national plan
• Coordinating with local organizations and bi-national authorities in drafting process
• Finalizing draft bi-national Sarstoon Basin Watershed Management Plan

Sustainable Livelihoods

• Assisting farmers to establish 50 agroforestry plots
• Identifying interest and capacity in sustainable income-generating activities
• Sharing knowledge of regional market opportunities for sustainable seafood