Support & Strengthen Nonprofits in Central America

Greetings from Antigua everyone,

I've finally made it back to Guatemala! As many of you know I was living in Antigua last Fall when I applied for this position with GlobalGiving, so I've really come full circle. I'm so glad I get to spend another month in this special place.

After cruising around the islands of Belize, visiting with some of our partners, and doing some snorkeling, I arrived in Guatemala by boat last Saturday. While in Livingston on the Carribbean Coast, I visited with the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund). I had the opportunity to meet local fishermen and learn about the ways in which they are implementing sustainable fishing practices in their communities.

As the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Mesoamerican Reef is surrounded by Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. In the last twenty years, the reef has seen considerable damage due to commercial fishing, invasive species like the lionfish, and most of all climate change. The MAR Fund partners with organizations in all four countries to strengthen and streamline conservation efforts and fight the effects of climate change. We spent the day talking with an organized group of local fisherman who are leading the way in protecting the area surrounding the Río Sarstún which forms the natural border between Belize and Guatemala.

As a community and with the help of the MAR Fund, they have established "no-take" zones where only fishing by hook and line is permitted. These protected areas allow overfished species, like the mojarra or local tilapia, to reproduce in an area safe from trawling and other harmful fishing practices. These refugios are able to replenish the area's stock year after year, sustaining the local food supply and the livelihood of the villagers. This group has also brought in livestock and planted fruit trees to provide for their community.

In a part of the world where most don't think twice about tossing an empty water bottle on the beach, it was truly inspiring to see these community leaders thinking long-term about their environmental impact. With the help of organizations like the MAR Fund, this community has been able to grow and thrive while ensuring the health of their natural resources for generations to come.

After a long day of bumpy boat rides and buses without air conditioning, I finally made it from Livingston to Antigua just in time for Semana Santa. Semana Santa or Holy Week is celebrated all over Latin America, but Antigua is the best place to be if you enjoy jam-packed streets, outrageous street vendors, and an exorbitant number of mysterious sweet treats. Guatemalans flock to the city to participate in elaborate processions that run around the clock, and local families and businesses join together to create exquisite alfombras or "carpets" up and down the cobblestone streets (see photos below). These carpets are painstakingly stenciled, layer by layer, from dyed sand, sawdust, flowers, fruit, vegetables, spices, and any other colorful materials at hand.

Since most local businesses are closed during Semana Santa, I've had some free time to wander the city and get reacquainted with some of my favorite spots. I was quickly reminded why Antigua is one of my favorite cities, from the colorful markets to the kindness of the people... Needless to say, it feels good to be back.

I wanted to say again how much I appreciate all of your support and your interest in my trip! I have already had the privilege of meeting some incredible community leaders and have been truly inspired by the ways in which they are shaping and creating a better world. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we work together.

I hope this report finds you well, and I look forward to sharing more of these stories with you in the coming months!