Climate change and global warming remain critical challenges today, significantly impacting both the planet and humanity. In response to this pressing issue, numerous organizations and societal groups have initiated efforts aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of climate change. While the irreversible nature of some changes is acknowledged, there is still potential to prevent conditions…
Rivers of Life: Navigating Guatemala’s Waterways Through the Lens of Conservation, and their Current Challenges
Most people may not be aware of how crucial rivers are in the present, since their connection to the daily life in cities may not be as apparent. However, they are in fact strongly linked with most of the economic activities that allow cities, and societies to thrive. Take a look at this overview of…
Our Second Biodiversity Workshop
For the second time in the last two years, FLAAR Mesoamérica’s research team got to deliver a workshop on biodiversity for undergraduate students of Rafael Landívar University. This time, both the team, and the students visited the Naciones Unidas National Park, and assessed small transects to measure the diversity of the park. On this note,…
The wild heart of Guatemalans: native species representative of Guatemalan identity
Due to Guatemala’s incredibly rich biodiversity, there are many species that, even when they are not national symbols, have become symbols in the identity of Guatemalans. In fact, many people born in this country grew up surrounded by these organisms since they have been deeply ingrained in the local traditions. While you learn about them…
To Care for Nature, as Indigenous Communities Do
This may not be the usual FLAAR blog filled with many facts about nature or science. In fact, it may blur the line of the organization’s focus. However, it will hopefully link with its main topic: the relationship between indigenous communities and biodiversity. As you will be able to read in the following paragraphs, Indigenous…
From finding prehistoric fish to locating wild vanilla flowers: the valuable support of park rangers
Park rangers are specialists in nature. Their knowledge and experience are unparalleled from any other people due to the time they stay in wild places. To acknowledge their labor and honor World Ranger Day, next follow some of the lessons and adventures they have shared with FLAAR Mesoamérica’s expeditions team. Most park rangers in Guatemala…
Documentation of Migratory Birds in Lake Atitlan, “The Most Beautiful Lake In The World” according to National Geographic
Bird Migration is an annual event that occurs when millions of birds undertake a long and risky journey from their breeding to wintering grounds and vice versa. Such a journey takes place on routes that birds have already established from north to south and south to north. In addition, many of the bird species travel…
A delicious substitute of Cacao drink using Mamey Sapote seeds
In April 2024, the FLAAR Mesoamerica expedition team went to the beautiful mountains of Senahú to visit the Chipemech community. 20 km away from the center of Senahú, they met some of the relatives of our photography assistant and expert in local ethnobotany topics, Senaida Ba. The purpose of this visit was documenting the preparation…
A search in the Northeast of Guatemala for amazing plants used by the Maya as flavorings for cacao
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: …
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.…