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Community Cloud Forest Conservation and the Resplendent Quetzal: agroecology and community development among the Q’eqchi’ Maya, in Guatemala’s central highlands.

University of Victoria on Oct. 14, at 7:30 PM.

From the cloud forest region of Coban, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, Rob Cahill is touring the US and Canada to talk about his work to conserve disappearing cloud forest habitat – home to the endangered Resplendent Quetzal- and to restore food security, financial stability, and agro-ecological knowledge to the indigenous Q’eqchi’ Maya people who live there.

Rob will discuss how birds and bird watching play an important role in the conservation of these forests. Rob will give a brief overview of the endemic birds of the highlands, including some cloud forests specialists. He will discuss how birds such as hummingbirds and the Resplendent Quetzal play an important role in conservation and occupy an important place in Q’eqchi’ Maya cosmovision.

Rob will also discuss their new initiative involving local communities as hosts and guides to mountain trekking and eco/bird tourism. And how these activities are helping local communities realize income without destroying the forests.

The presentation reflects seven years of hands on experiences, working in remote, rural Maya villages. Everyone is welcome. We meet at 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 in the Fraser building at UVic. Bring your mug for tea and coffee.