PROTECTING A SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL-ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE IN GUATEMALA

The Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP) is an association of 19 community forestry organizations that have successfully managed natural resources in the Petén region of Guatemala since 1995. Despite the social, economic, and conservation gains that ACOFOP has achieved, a bill introduced to the US Congress in 2019 is threatening its forest concession model. ACOFOP enlisted a team to explore private interests behind the bill and help lobby against its passage. The team defined the scope of work, conducted research, and interviewed experts. The centerpiece of the team’s work was a detailed policy memo for US Congressional staff outlining how a well-managed forest in Guatemala serves American interests. In addition, the team produced resources for use in Guatemala—including a memo for the Guatemalan government, a press release, and a distribution strategy.