Ya'axché Highlights of 2016

Reflecting on our work

2016 has been an amazing year for Ya’axché Conservation Trust. Here are 9 highlights.

1. BioBlitz Event
BioBlitz events, done around the world, are used to share biodiversity monitoring results to the public, especially children. Over 150 primary school children poured upon our Field Center grounds at Golden Stream Corridor Preserve to learn of Ya’axché’s biodiversity monitoring. Our rangers, protected area manager, science coordinator along with other staff shared how to use a compass and map for navigation, camera trap for getting photos of wildlife in the field, binoculars and spotting scope for bird identification, a microscope for sorting and identifying small water bugs useful in determining stream health, and also how to identify and preserve specimens of plants. Ya’axché’s Biodiversity Synthesis Report, a yearly report which analyzes data on biodiversity within the Maya Golden Landscape, was shared with the students. The children enjoyed learning about biodiversity research and express the continuation of the first ever BioBlitz.  

2. Global Trees Symposium
This year, Ya’axché took the conversation on the sustainable use of trees in Belize nationally at the Global Trees Symposium. Researchers, land managers, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and more participated in the discussion. Results from a threatened trees species survey, two sustainable harvesting operations, and a national survey on Rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii) were presented. There were also discussions on the implications of various international policies on timber harvesting and trading and the roles of youth in the sustainability of forests. 

3. Ya’axché Farmers’ Expo
The Race Against Fire and Maya Golden Landscape Farmer of the Year Award events were merged to create the Ya’axché Farmers’ Expo. The Ya’axché Farmers’ Expo event maintains focus on raising awareness on fire management and rewarding 3 farmers for adopting climate smart agricultural practices. Hubert Cus from San Miguel village was this year’s Farmer of the Year.  In addition, creative presentations on conservation and sustainability were done by primary school children and farmers sold organic farm produce at the event.

4. Summer Camp
Fifty-seven children participated in this year’s Ya’axché Summer Camp, which focused on the theme “Climate Change – Taking a Stand for Our Future.” The children learned about weather, climate, and how climate change is impacting Belize and the world, renewable and non-renewable resources, green energy sources, how the unsustainable use of resources and energy are impacting the climate, and how energy can be conserved in order to help preserve natural resources for future generations. Not only did the children learn a great deal about climate change, but they also had fun, made new friends, and had experiences that will inspire them to take action for the future of the planet. 

5. Launch of EcoTourism Belize
Ya’axché, through its sustainable financing program, officially launched EcoTourism Belize which provides ecotours, environmental education and rustic accommodations at the 15,000 acre Golden Stream Corridor Preserve. After years of investigating sustainable financing initiatives, EcoTourism Belize is providing visitors the unique opportunity to soak in southern Belize’s nature and culture. 100% of profits are reinvested into Ya’axché’s conservation and community development work in the Maya Golden Landscape. EcoTours and rustic accommodation can be booked at EcoTourismBelize.com.

6. Adoption of SMART
Ya’axché is another leader in the implementation of Spatial Monitoring and Report Tool (SMART) software in the terrestrial areas of Belize. The SMART software increases the efficiency and effectiveness of ranger patrols. Through the software, the Protected Area Management team are able to map and conduct spatial analyses of infractions and patrol effort, which is useful for the purposes of allocating resources, increasing patrol efficiency, and increasing accountability. The software was modified and simplified so that rangers, managers, and scientists alike could understand the terms.

7. New species discovered
Botanists Steven Brewer and Gail Stott, during a field survey under a Global Trees Campaign project, stumbled upon a fascinating tree species inside Golden Stream Corridor Preserve. It is a monocarpic tree which appears palm-like. There are now 10 species of Spathelia. Spathelia belizensis is the first species found beyond the West Indies. Spathelia belizensis is endemic to, found only in, Belize with Golden Stream Corridor Preserve and some parts of Columbia River Forest Reserve being their only known locations. After six to eight years they produce fruit and die right after. Golden Stream Corridor Preserve remains a stronghold many species and an important corridor for animals. The full article can be accessed at PhytoKeys.

8. Belize’s First Agroforestry Concession
Two years after the ground breaking delineation of Belize’s first agroforestry concession within the Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve, there are many accomplishments to report on. Ya’axché’s work with 33 farmers of the Trio Farmers Cacao Growers Association to adopt climate smart farming practices is an innovative approach to conservation. Almost 136 acres of cacao have been planted and some already producing pods, over 400 pounds of honey was harvested by 18 beekeepers, and cover structure for growing vegetables was constructed. The members participated in capacity building workshops. In the coming year, some of the farmers are expected to harvest some cacao pods and more honey from the beehives. 

9. Ya’axche’ Point
Protected areas managed by Ya’axché are one of the most biologically rich and archaeologically significant areas in Belize. In November, archaeologists affirmed the name Ya’axche’ Point to stemmed and barbed “preceramic” projectile points discovered by Ya’axché staff. Archaeologists, based on new dating information, think these uniquely crafted artifacts may be much older than 2500–1900 B.C. The points have “alternate-opposite edge bevelling” and were named Ya’axche’ point due to the fact that 2 Ya’axché staff members, Lee Mcloughlin and Maximiliano Caal made these amazing finds within a protected area managed by the organization, just a few years apart. Archaeologists W. James Stemp, Jaime J. Awe, Keith M. Prufer and Christophe G.B. Helmke made this landmark achievement possible.

Our work of empowering 10 communities and protecting over 151,000 acres of forests is made possible by members, donors, supporters, partners and Ya’axché’s board of directors and staff.

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