FCD and Asociación Balam sign partnership agreement

In 2011, FCD signed a partnership agreement with Byron Castellanos, Executive Director of Asociación Balam, which solidified a working relationship between the two organizations. The mission of Balam is to conserve the integrated natural and cultural patrimony and the incorporation of civil society in management.

Its focal area of work had been in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, but their work has now extended to the Chiquibul –Maya Mountain Biosphere Reserve, located on the southern region of Peten. In a relatively short period, Balam has developed a high level of confidence among governmental organizations, authorities and civil society in southern Peten which has enabled the development of an interest among several stakeholders to the protection of the protected areas in southern Peten.

The work of Balam and FCD is centered on a belief that the protection of the Chiquibul- Maya Mountain ecosystem can only be attained through a shared responsibility. Thanks to the work of Castellanos and his team at Asociacion Balam we are seeing a new light of care and hope for the protection of the biosphere reserve, which undoubtedly will have positive outcomes for the Chiquibul ecosystem in Belize. We appreciate the support and are proud to have a working program with this great institution.