Teravana Trust

Guatemala Program: Working in 8 towns along the northern shore of Lake Atitlan, we empower Kaqchikel Maya locals to protect their natural resources through community based environmental initiatives. One of the key initiatives is partnering with local farmers and municipalities to plant trees in the mountains as well as fresh water springs in the towns that we work with. This project is designed to give local people long term access to natural resources like fresh water and firewood for cooking. We also distribute fruit trees to help local farmers be able to see their crops to gain an income for their families. Our approach to reforestation is unique because it blends traditional indigenous knowledge of tree planting and ecology with ARCGIS technology which allows us to monitor each reforestation site with satellite imagery. Wellkind helped start two artisan cooperatives, one focused on making crochet products and the other working with beaded jewelry helping women get better prices for their products. We connected artisans to the fair trade market through our connections with buyers and in turn have supported over 100 women in this endeavor. Alongside the artisan cooperative we also partnered with PMA World Food Programme to start a savings cooperative that has helped local artisans save more of the money that they make through the artisan work. Our Ecologically focused Programs advance reforestation, water conservation, and organic food production, all of which protect the natural resources of Lake Atitlan while enhancing food security. Description of program and achievements what you want to tell the world about this program: So far our organization has: - Planted over 85,000 native fruit and wood trees together with local farmers which sequester more than 644 tons of CO2 each year - the equivalent of taking 139 cars off the road -We have given environmental awareness talks to over 360 local people -Our team has given tree planting trainings to over 500 local farmers and families that have received trees as donations. -We have benefitted over 5000 indigenous people. -Created a native tree nursery in Tzununa that has produced over 10,000 trees to be planted in the adjacent communities. -Our team has reforested 7 freshwater springs in 4 different towns of Lake Atitlan. -We have created a pilot project to clean sewage water through biological remediation in the town of Tzununa. -We have trained our entire team in permaculture design and have invested in the professional development of each team member. -We have helped start two artisan cooperatives with over 100 members -Helped start two savings cooperatives with women from the artisan groups with over 40 members. Our biggest asset as an organization is our local team of young professionals that are dedicated to the sustainable development of the communities that they are from. The heart and soul of Wellkind is our team. They drive the programming of the organization and they have deep ties to the places that we are working in.