Chico Mendes Reforestation Project

Founded in 1998, Chico Mendes Reforestation Project is a community organisation based in Pachaj, Guatemala working on environment & climate, nature & wildlife conservation.

Chico Mendes Reforestation Project is a community-run nonprofit based in Pachaj, a Mayan K'iche' village in the municipality of Cantel, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Founded in 1998 by Jorge Armando López Pocol, it began with about 2,000 seedlings after illegal logging damaged community lands. The organisation runs two tree nurseries and plants over 15,000 trees a year, supplying local water committees with additional trees to protect natural mountain springs. It focuses on native highland species such as alder, oak and pine, and on reforesting degraded areas including a 15-hectare site beside the Samalá River and a multi-year project in Las Cumbres Paraxkim de Cantel. Its work combines tree planting with community engagement, youth involvement and international volunteering, with the aim of protecting forests, reversing climate change, supporting local decision-making and promoting biodiversity.