New approach to archaeology

Benefits for the Q'eqchi' Mayas

The new ethics carried out at excavations lead by Professor Demarest are setting the standards for future archaeology, and will help preserve ancient structures for future generations. This also leads to better conditions for the Mayans, as they will learn to appreciate their own heritage, and they can develop meaningful occupations for themselves.

The contribution includes improvements to local school buildings and the donation of equipment, books, and supplies. All projects are proposed by the Q'eqchi' community committees. In addition to managing the parks and services to present their own heritage, projects also include improvement of basic health and hygiene, micro businesses in cacao and vanilla, solar panels for schools, and potable water wells.

The development program being carried out in the Cancuen area, with the aid of international support, is one of the largest anthropological development programs ever attempted in Central America. The program promises to become a model for ethic archaeology, ecological thinking, and tourism implementation in developing nations. The goal is to create sustainable economic resources directly benefiting the nearby Q'eqchi' Maya villages. An undisputed fact is that for the first time the modern Maya will become the custodians of their own ancient heritage.

The school in the poor village of El Zapote

Looted Monuments

The recuperation of looted monuments will form an imperative part of the development of locally managed parks in the archaeological sites. The team has already located and recovered dozens of these monuments. Stone reproductions of other monuments now in museums should be made to replace the originals. This replication would not only protect the original monuments, but also make the experience of visiting the archaeological parks more informative and awe inspiring. This activity will also reinforce a sense of cultural patrimony of the local communities. It will reverse the trend of extraction of the local Maya heritage by foreign and Guatemala looters and archaeologists.

Endangered species of the rain forest, scorpions, caterpillars and spiders

Reforestation and Sustainable Agriculture

It is very important to initiate programs directed towards recuperating the natural resources of the Upper Pasión region. The vegetation has already been seriously damaged by the creation of cattle ranches and areas of cultivation. The recuperation of the forest will begin in the areas inside the archaeological parks, which will, with the combination of cultural and natural patrimony, offer better perspectives for eco-touristic development.

The reforestation program directed by Counterpart Intemational and many other agencies will combine the regeneration of primary forest in conjunction with the incorporation of rapid-growth species, which will aid the development of other native species and this will then quickly create the appropriate conditions to facilitate ecotourism. The protection and regeneration of the forest will go hand in hand with a program of environmental education and instruction on agroforest alternatives. This will permit the populations to maintain or even improve their agricultural productivity without damaging the ecology of the region.

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