Earth Day: Evolving Sustainability in Guatemala

Hummingbird at Lake Atitlan enjoying fresh air and an afternoon refaccion

Guatemala, a small Central American country known for its rich culture, ancient ruins, and stunning natural beauty, is also a country that has made significant progress in recent years towards environmental sustainability.

In celebrating Earth Day, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at how Guatemala has improved its environmentalism and reduced carbon emissions.

In recent years, Guatemala has taken a number of measures to reduce its carbon footprint and protect its natural resources.

One of the most significant steps taken by the government was the implementation of the National Climate Change Policy, which outlines a set of strategies and goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable development. Since the implementation of this policy, the country has made significant strides towards achieving its environmental goals.

Two spider monkeys grooming in the jungles of the Petén region. They, along with countless other species, have benefitted from forest protection and reforestation efforts.

One key metric that shows Guatemala's commitment to environmentalism is its efforts to protect its natural resources. The country has implemented a number of programs to protect its forests and biodiversity, including the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices.

According to the United Nations Development Program, the country has managed to reduce deforestation rates by more than 50% since 2011. This has been achieved through a combination of policies and programs that have incentivized sustainable land use practices, as well as increased enforcement of environmental regulations.

Another metric that highlights Guatemala's progress towards environmental sustainability is the country's use of renewable energy. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), Guatemala has seen a significant increase in renewable energy use in recent years.

In 2017, renewable energy accounted for 65% of the country's total electricity generation, up from just 37% in 2007. This increase was due in part to the construction of new hydroelectric power plants, which have provided a reliable source of renewable energy for the country.

Permaculture principles have been implemented throughout the country over the past decade; however, Guatemalans will share it as a new term to describe what they only know as farming practices handed down over generations.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in permaculture methods in Guatemala. Permaculture, which is a system of agricultural and social design principles, aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems.

This approach has gained popularity in Guatemala as a way to combat environmental degradation and promote food security. Many farmers and communities are adopting permaculture practices, such as agroforestry and natural building, as a way to reduce their carbon footprint, increase biodiversity, and promote sustainable land use.

With its focus on local and holistic solutions, permaculture is well-suited to the needs of Guatemalan communities, and its rise is a promising development for the country's environmental sustainability.

Despite these successes, Guatemala still faces significant challenges in its efforts to promote environmental sustainability. The country continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, and air pollution remains a major issue in many urban areas.

There is also a need for more investment in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure to support the country's growing population and economy.

Overall, however, Guatemala's progress toward environmental sustainability is encouraging. Naturally Smart Travel supports these efforts by contributing to the success of social and environmental initiatives via scholarships for students, grants for business development, and a dedication to offset the carbon emissions of each guest for each trip.