Building Resilient Communities in Belize through Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

Requena, Gustavo, Garcia, Christina and Vasquez, Marvin (2019) Building Resilient Communities in Belize through Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices. In: 2018 US/ICOMOS Symposium "Forward Together: A Culture-Nature Journey Towards More Effective Conservation in a Changing World", November 13-14, 2018, San Francisco, California. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract (in English)

PART 3. ENHANCING RESILIENCE, ADAPTATION AND SUSTAINABILITY - Harnessing Traditional Knowledge to Meet the Challenge of Climate Change /// Indigenous communities have always co-existed with nature. Their subsistence has had a dependence on the heightened stewardship of the natural environment, requiring that their farming practices evolve and adapt to today's rapidly changing environment. As the effects of climate change become more obvious in weather pattern alterations influencing agricultural yields, so do the resilient farming practices that are being adapted to strengthen the agricultural sector. Since forests are sources of livelihoods for Mayan communities, agricultural advances promoting forest conservation and good governance are viewed as socially and environmentally responsive approaches to rural development. Cacao-based agroforestry is a long term solution to improve our forests health and livelihoods in southern Belize. This system allows for the development of entrepreneurship opportunities through small-scale business models in agro-tourism that highlights the cultural and biodiversity richness in these communities. The incorporation of apiculture and Inga Alley Cropping ensure that traditional crops such as corn, beans and vegetables can be continuously cultivated, decreasing the deforestation rate, hence conserving our landscape and its ecosystem. These practices involve the growing of staples for the organized communities, who are embracing eco-friendly solutions for a sustainable future. The experience and knowledge that has been developed within the communities has resulted in the development and application of climate-smart solutions and adaptation mechanisms that ensure livelihoods continue to thrive. These local initiatives establish an easy-to-replicate forest governance model, influencing regional and even national solutions to building climate-resilient forest communities in the Maya Golden Landscape.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Authors:	Authors Email Requena, Gustavo UNSPECIFIED Garcia, Christina UNSPECIFIED Vasquez, Marvin UNSPECIFIED
Languages:	English
Keywords:	indigenous people; indigenous cultures; climate change; climate impact assessment; farming; traditional practices; intangible heritage; nature culture integration; sustainable development; resilience; agroforestry; community-based management; community participation; agriculture; social and economic aspects; Belize
Subjects:	E.CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 07. Management G.DETERIORATION > 03. Climate change H.HERITAGE TYPOLOGIES > 02. Agricultural heritage H.HERITAGE TYPOLOGIES > 17. Intangible cultural heritage J.HERITAGE ECONOMICS > 05. Heritage and sustainable development N.ANTHROPOLOGY > 03. Ethnology O.INTANGIBLE HERITAGE > 01. Generalities O.INTANGIBLE HERITAGE > 06. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
National Committee:	United States of America
ICOMOS Special Collection Volume:	2018 US/ICOMOS Symposium
Depositing User:	ICOMOS DocCentre
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2020 14:22
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2020 14:22
URI:	https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/2306

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