Serving communities in the biosphere

FORESCOM is a community-based organization that provides services to its 11 members managing forestry concessions in the Maya National Biosphere. Forest concessions are licensed to communities for 25 years. According to Guatemalan law, all these concessions must be certified. Because of this communities acquire rights and obligations to manage the forest in a sustainable way.

Felisa, president of AFICC, chats with me (left) at FORESCOM facilities

After FORESCOM presentation, I visited the drying facilities and sawmill. It was the first time I saw how these look like. I learned communities can trace their timber thanks to a system of colours. To dry wood, FORESCOM uses timber rests as fuel for the ovens.

Associated communities use FORESCOM forestry and commercialization services to access international and local market opportunities. One of these communities is AFISAP, which I will visit after lunch.