Forest ecology monitoring in Totonicapán, Indigenous region of Guatemala

Keywords: Indigenous region, Guatemala, forest ecology
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Totonicapán, Guatemala, an Indigenous city presents various ecological and environmental issues. The forest that surrounds this city has been cared for by the people and in more modern times by the government. The history of this city dates back from their fearless leader, Atanasio Tzul. Tzul was responsible to care for the people, to care for nature and to protect their sacred area. This sentiment carries into present day with the people taking the baton to care for the forest that surrounds them. Los 48 Cantones de Totonicapán is responsible and cares for the conservation of the forest. They work side by side with the local Government and NGO’s to properly conserve roughly 22,000 hectares. This poster examines the power dynamics between the people and government and the use of geospatial technology. I travelled to Totonicapán in November 2022 and taught these organizations the use of QGIS and drone monitoring but also learned that at times the power dynamics can be tough to navigate. The grit and determination to learn geospatial technology is prevalent within the government officials and organizations in charge of monitoring the forest. Exploring the physical and human geography side of Totonicapán highlights the delicate matter of integrating both socio and geospatial technology to unite for a common goal. Atanasio Tzul symbolizes the unification of the past and present, and Guatemalans are honored to carry the baton with the use of geospatial technology.