British Ambassador visits development projects in the Adjacency Zone between Guatemala and Belize
The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Thomas Carter, travelled to Petén on November 21 and 22 to visit two Guatemalan communities close to the Adjacency Zone with Belize that are implementing sustainable development projects.
Ambassador Carter at San Jose Las Flores in Peten
The British Government has provided financial support to projects in the areas of agro forestry systems and youth education. On November 21, Ambassador Carter visited the community of San José Las Flores, in the county of Melchor de Mencos where more than 46 families have benefited from this annual programme. Over 35 families have also benefited in the community of Nueva Armenia.
Some of the projects include the construction of home orchards, the fattening of fish and the raising of poultry. Farmers also receive training on the cultivation, harvesting and marketing of cocoa, palms, cinnamon and pepper. Some 10 students will also be given stipends to continue their studies.
These projects are implemented by Asociacion Balam and its partner, the Coordinator of Agricultural Peasant Associations of Petén (COACAP). The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Guatemala (MAGA) also joined the initiative by promoting the strengthening of agro forestry systems and food security in general.
Later that day, Ambassador Carter visited the office of the Organization of American States (OAS) located in the Adjacency Zone. With this gesture, the United Kingdom recognizes the importance of the OAS’ work in the prevention, resolution and investigation of conflicts between the two countries.
The following day, Ambassador Carter met the Intersectoral Bureau for Land and Environment (MITA), which brings together representatives of local governments, communities and nongovernmental organizations that are responsible for sustainable development in the area and heard about the main challenges faced by the inhabitants close to the Adjacency Zone.
Finally, the British Embassy delegation visited the community of San Marcos, south of San Jose Las Flores, where some of the projects have been operating for more than a year. These have resulted in more opportunities for the local inhabitants that minimize the need to venture further afield in search of resources.
Between 2015 and 2016 the United Kingdom has invested close to 300,000 Quetzals in sustainable projects in Guatemalan communities close to the Adjacency Zone. This aid is in addition to that donated by other local and international bodies that support both countries in their efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage them to resolve their territorial dispute.