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Tikal: Guatemala’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in the Heart of the Maya Forest
Blog Reserva de Biósfera Maya

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
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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
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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…

How do we celebrate Christmas in Guatemala? Take a closer look at the Native Christmas Species
Blog Educational material FLAAR Mesoamerica Flora and fauna research Maya-ethnobotany Maya-Ethnozoology

How do we celebrate Christmas in Guatemala? Take a closer look at the Native Christmas Species

December is a particular month, full of joy and reflection on what has been accomplished during the year. The fruits and flowers stand out, with their colors and flavors making this season even more special. One of the signs that the end of the year has arrived in Guatemala is to look around and find…

Cobán Climbing Salamander: An Example of How Genetic Differentiation Affect a Species’ Populations
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Cobán Climbing Salamander: An Example of How Genetic Differentiation Affect a Species’ Populations

In recent years, biologists have developed a deeper understanding and concern about how the relationship between genetic diversity can influence the population structure of a species. They have understood how geographic and ecological variations often divide species into subspecies or other distinct populations of individuals that are closely related to each other and not to…

“Mano de Piedra” Snake Venom: A Fascinating Journey through Its Toxicity and Changes Throughout Its Life
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“Mano de Piedra” Snake Venom: A Fascinating Journey through Its Toxicity and Changes Throughout Its Life

Guatemala and the entire Mesoamerican region are sites teeming with a rich diversity of fauna and flora. Numerous studies related to these subjects have been conducted in these areas by outstanding Guatemalan scientists. These investigations contribute significantly, not only to science but also to expanding our understanding of the fascinating species surrounding us in Mesoamerica.…

Global Conservation: Celebrating World Ecology and Ecologist Day
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Global Conservation: Celebrating World Ecology and Ecologist Day

On November 1st, we celebrate the 157th anniversary of the World Ecology and Ecologist Day. This day is meant to remind people of the significance of knowing and valuing the relationships that exist between living beings and their environment and to raise awareness among our society about the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with…

NATIONAL PARKS: A treasure for conservation
Blog FLAAR Mesoamerica Izabal

NATIONAL PARKS: A treasure for conservation

International Day of National Parks August 24th, 2023 Parque Nacional Río Dulce. Haniel López, 2021.  Every year we celebrate the International Day of National Parks on August 24th. This day raises awareness for global efforts towards conservation. National parks are decreed for many reasons such as historical, aesthetic, scientific value, cultural value, for recreational purposes,…

Trees to admire today, the international day for the preservation of tropical forests
Blog Maya-ethnobotany

Trees to admire today, the international day for the preservation of tropical forests

Tropical forests are all forests which are located in the tropics, or put in other words, closer to the equator line. They are generally characterized by higher temperatures, bigger amounts of rainfall, and particularly, broader biodiversity indexes. Taking into account that tropical forests are those that grow in the tropics, they can be classified according…