- University: University of Copenhagen
- Place of defence: Copenhagen
- Keywords: Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Maya Q’eqchi’, Tropical Forest, Restoration, Cultural Importance Value (CVe), Threatened status
Abstract
This research explores the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from the Maya Q'eqchi' people of Tzalamtun in Alta Verapaz, northeast of Guatemala on the use of tropical forests species. TEK, stemming from generations of indigenous natural resource use, can guide ecological restoration and management strategies, but current conservation initiatives in Guatemala lack TEK-based strategies. Therefore, the study aims were to document tropical forest species based on the Q'eqchi' TEK and identified important forest species for tropical forest restoration using the Cultural Value Index (CVe). While also prioritizing species for restoration due to their threatened status. Based on these two criteria 15 species were identified and proposed for tropical forest restoration in Tzalamtun. The most relevant species identified were Swietenia macrophylla (Mahogany), Cedrela odorata (Cedar), Pimenta dioica (Allspice), Dalbergia tucurensis (Granadillo), Cojoba arborea (Cola de Coche), Inga edulis (Guama), Platymiscium dimorphandrum (Hormigo), Calycophyllum candidissimum (Canela), Dalbergia stevensonii (Rosul) and Tectona grandis (Teca). Showing species with high cultural importance, economic value and practical use value. The methodology was based on transdisciplinary research by incorporating the participation and collaboration with the Q’eqchi’ community to select areas to visit, identify important plant species and describe their knowledge and practices in the natural environment of tropical forest that they inhabit. This information offers potential use in further research on the local indigenous TEK and baseline data to support environmental strategies and social policy.
