Home From The Sidelines UK Delegation Visits Guatemala to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation

UK Delegation Visits Guatemala to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation

A delegation from the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is in Guatemala from October 7 to 14 to assess the progress of the UK’s Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF). This initiative aims to protect biodiversity, alleviate poverty, and combat climate change in some of the world’s most critical ecological regions. Leading the delegation are Roger Heath, Senior Responsible Owner of the BLF and 30×30, and Samuel Leigh, Regional Advisor for Mesoamerica and the Andes Amazon. Joining them is Rachel Wilson, Team Leader of the BLF’s Fund Management team from Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC). The team will engage with a variety of stakeholders, including government representatives, implementing partners, and civil society, as well as participating in field visits to the regions of Peten and Chiquimula.

On October 7, the delegation convened in Guatemala City with leaders from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which heads the BLF consortium. The discussions focused on the progress of the project and upcoming activities aimed at enhancing environmental protection in Guatemala, particularly in the biodiverse regions of Peten (the Mayan Jungle) and Chiquimula (Trifinio). The BLF is aligned with Guatemala’s environmental priorities through initiatives that will continue until 2029.

The UK officials also met with representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This meeting underscored Guatemala’s commitment to the BLF and included plans for forthcoming interventions designed to address pressing environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss in the Mayan Jungle and forest fire prevention in the Trifinio region.

Engaging Local Communities

From October 8 to 12, delegates Heath and Leigh will travel to Peten to connect with local communities benefiting from sustainable livelihoods facilitated by the BLF. The projects they will review include xate classification (the cultivation of ornamental palm leaves), tree planting initiatives, beekeeping, and sustainable forestry practices. These projects are designed to empower communities while simultaneously preserving the natural environment. During their time in Peten, the delegation will engage with local delivery partners who are instrumental in helping these communities achieve their development and poverty reduction objectives in coordination with Guatemalan authorities.

Focus on Sustainable Agriculture

On October 13, the UK delegation will proceed to Chiquimula in the Trifinio area to examine sustainable agricultural practices supported by the BLF. The discussions will focus on how the Fund can help manage environmentally sensitive areas sustainably, ensuring that agricultural activities do not compromise local ecosystems.

The BLF, which allocates approximately 40% of its funding for the Mesoamerica landscape to Guatemala—amounting to around US$7 million—reflects the UK’s commitment to addressing shared environmental and social development priorities. The Fund aims to implement activities in six of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots, striving to create a world free from poverty while ensuring a liveable planet for future generations.

This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the partnership between the UK and Guatemala in the realm of environmental protection and sustainable development. The delegation’s engagements are set to enhance collaboration and support vital initiatives that align with both countries’ goals for environmental sustainability.