In 1990, the Guatemalan State established the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), the largest protected area in the country. About forty percent of the MBR was established as a Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) to promote sustainable activities. In this area, the Guatemalan government legalized a formal concession system granting community-based organizations 25-year concession contracts. To date, this system of community concessions represents about 10 per cent of the country’s total forest cover, including national parks
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), in collaboration with Bioversity International and the Asociation of forestry communities of Peten (ACOFOP) will convene a two days event to discuss the experience of community forestry in Peten, promote policy dialogue between researchers and local stakeholders and discuss evidence from research and mechanisms that inform policy discussions.
Over 30 researchers, practitioners and policy makers will share latest research and discuss key lessons learned and identify research gaps and action points, with a view to informing discussions about concession renewal in Peten.