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“Bio-rights: linking community- and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction”. . &. Field visit to project site – Masá River microbasin February 2012. Project area geographical location. Guatemala. Masá River microbasin. Sololá Department.
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“Bio-rights: linking community- and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction”. & Field visit to project site – Masá River microbasin February 2012
Project area geographical location Guatemala Masá River microbasin Sololá Department
Santo Tomás La Unión CARE Office / CARE and Vivamos Mejor staff Downtown Santo Tomás
Landscape views Low-mid basin looking downstream From Santo Tomás (lower basin) looking upstream
Local livelihoods – the Maxan leaf • The Maxán palm (Calathea sp.) is ever-present in the Masá river landscape. • Its leaf is the main tradeable commodity of the local communities, for use elsewhere in Guatemala as a wrapper for foodstuffs. • It can be planted intermixed with other locally consumed crops such as bananas and coffee. • However, economic need drives locals to plant in less suitable areas further upstream. • The plant is less productive in these areas, better suited for watershed protection.
Local livelihoods – the Maxan leaf Price of maxán per pack: US$ 16,-
Vulnerabilities and threats Landslides – f.ex. next to Maxán field Maxán competing with forest cover?
Vulnerabilities and threats Housing in risk areas Terrain! Competing / unsuitable land uses
Vulnerabilities and threats Local dependence on firewood Constant risk of incommunication from road collapse
Strengths and capacities Technical information availability Commited local leadership Organized communities Risk awareness – Pasaquijuyup village shelter
Strengths and capacities HIF Project! Team staff on location Local reforestation experiences – Alnus sp.
Thankyou! Gracias!