AgroAmerica donates $50,000 for the conservation of the tropical forest of the Maya biosphere reserve in Central America

AgroAmerica joins the environmental conservation Project of the Maya Cultural and Natural Heritage Foundation (Fundación Patrimonio Cultural y Natural Maya) –PACUNAM– that seeks to protect cultural and natural heritage sites such as tropical forests, and the flora and fauna of the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected tropical forest in Central America. Spread over 4.3 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in the Department of Petén in Guatemala, this reserve protects large areas of forests, rivers, wetlands and Maya sites.

“We decided to join the environmental conservation projects of PACUNAM and support their efforts to develop and build sustainable forestry activities, as they correspond with the objectives of AgroAmerica for the conservation of natural resources. Partnering with PACUNAM is consistent with how we work to protect tropical forests and support the sustainable development of the countries where we operate,” stated Fernando Bolaños, CEO of AgroAmerica.

Using technology known as lidar, a team of archaeologists, funded by PACUNAM found evidence beneath the jungle canopy in Guatemala of how the Mesoamerican civilization altered its landscape for more than 2,500 years. This may change what archaeologists thought they knew about aspects of the ancient society’s population size, agricultural practices and conflicts between warring dynasties, reported The New York Times in its recent article Hidden Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya Revealed in a 3-D Laser Map.

PACUNAM works hand in hand with government agencies such as the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), local conservation organizations and national and foreign non-governmental organizations, such as Petén Forest Communities Association -ACOFOP-, Carmelita Cooperative, Balam Association, Wildlife Conservation Society, Rainforest Alliance, Conservation International, Counterpart International, Foundation for Anthropological Research -FARES-, Foundation for the Development of Guatemala -FUNDESA-, and the Department of the Interior of the United States.

PACUNAM has the support of national and international media such as National Geographic, to publish its activities and projects.

The work of PACUNAM focuses on facilitating scientific and archaeological research, promoting the development of productive activities and contributing to the conservation of the environment.

About AgroAmerica

AgroAmerica is a company that produces and distributes bananas, banana puree, and vegetable oils. It employs more than 13,000 people in Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, the United States and Europe. It is a leader in sustainable practices and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.agroamerica.com