The Ecoregión Lachuá is a rural area in Guatemala defined by its socio-cultural, environmental, economic and political attributes. It is a region composed of a population of indigenous Q´eqchi´ subsistence farmers, all of whom reside in communities located in an area of high-biodiversity sub-tropical rainforest that encompasses the National Park named Laguna Lachuá.
The Ecoregión Lachuá is the home to an ambitious and comprehensive development effort formed to save the National Park and resources of the region by training locals in resource management. The project unites eight government institutions, international funding, a team of professional technical workers, and Q´eqchi´ community members integrated into six community associations, three women’s groups and three youth groups to create a test-ground for a model of integral participatory development: a plan of sustainable development which addresses socio-cultural, environmental, economic and political needs on a regional level, while focusing on local empowerment and community training in order to implement project goals.The co-management of the Ecoregión via a unified entity of community groups, government institutions and international support ensures a better future through conservation.
Environmental
Economic
Political
Social
The Ecoregión Lachuá is internationally renowned as a RAMSAR site for its importance in protecting vital wetlands home to thousands of tropical rain forest animals and plants
Using ecosystem management as a basis of agricultural and forest growth, rural diversification and general economical growth
Linking ecosystems, governance and poverty in order to approach a model of sustainable development through participatory management
Social programs such as community training and group organization ensure socio-cultural and interpersonal development
