On April 5th, 2024, our expedition team went to the Northeast of Guatemala in search of 4 different native plants that are locally used as flavorings for cacao. Finding them and learning about them would enrich the research we have conducted so far on the cacao drink and the flavorings for cacao. These species are: …
A Closer Look at Marine Species in Classic Maya Art
Spondylus spp. Property of Centro de Estudios del Mar y Acuicultura (CEMA), Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC). Photo by Victor Mendoza, 2022. Mayan art was developed in southeastern Mesoamerica during the Late Preclassic period and flourished in the Classic period. It includes architectural structures, stone sculptures, carved wooden pieces, murals, writing, books, ceramics,…
Do you know how is cacao drink made by hand?
FLAAR Mesoamérica tells you about this experience from the great mountains of Senahú Chocolate is currently one of the most in-demand edible products globally, having a market of USD 115.80 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period. But do you know where this delicious product is…
A treasure of the Motagua Valley: The Unique Aspidoscelis motaguae Lizard of Mesoamerica
Who are the Teiids (Teiidae)? The genus Aspidoscelis belongs to the family Teiidae. This group includes approximately 110 species reported in regions across the United States, the Mesoamerican zone, South America, and parts of the Antilles (Köhler, 2003). Some of the main genera in this family located in the Mesoamerican region are Aspidoscelis, Cnemidophorus and…
The impact of noise pollution on birds
Our world is filled with constant noise, which can negatively impact the physical and mental well-being of all living creatures. For birds, noise is a chronic and unavoidable source of stress. While they have endured loud natural sounds like streams, waterfalls, and wind for centuries, human-made noise pollution is a relatively new and concerning phenomenon.…
Forest and Water: A Vital Resources of Our Planet
In March we celebrate the International Day of Forests (March 21th) and World Water Day (March 22th), two commemorative dates for life and the vital resources for the functioning of this planet. Water is an essential element of any living organism and fundamental for sustainable forest management. Forests are crucial for regulating the hydrological cycle…
Witnessing the marvel of migration among sea turtles and waterbirds
During our first 2024 expedition we got to learn about and visit Poza del Nance, a coastal pool in Sipacate that is among the only places in the world where sea turtles can be sighted all year long. It was inevitably one of the most inspiring and beautiful experiences the FLAAR team got to experience,…
Tikal: Guatemala’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in the Heart of the Maya Forest
In Guatemala we have a very strong cultural heritage, with a unique combination of Maya, European and Caribbean influences. Guatemala’s Mayan cultural heritage is specifically strong, representing the diversity of over twenty different Mayan groups, each with different languages, traditional ethnic wears, colors, foods and worldviews. They all share some similarities, some more than others,…
Symbiosis: Mastering the Harmony of Coexistence on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a good day to celebrate love, affection, friendship and all types of relationships, from the most beneficial to those that could be a little harmful. There is no better way to do this than by talking about the relationships that exist in nature and in the ecosystems that surround us. Scientifically, relationships…
The role of carbon sinks in mitigating climate change and their current status
Nature has unique resources to regulate the temperature on the planet. Known as carbon sinks, which are natural deposits such as oceans, forests, and soils that absorb and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, reducing its presence in the air and increasing oxygen (O2) concentrations. The main carbon sinks were from the production of…