Protecting the Selva Maya

As part of the GEF-8 Mesoamerican Forest Integrated Program, the Mexico Mesoamerica Forest Child Project aims to address the threats of deforestation and degradation in the Selva Maya forest. This initiative, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as the lead agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to promote transformative change by improving governance, mobilizing financial resources, and empowering indigenous peoples and local communities.

Scope of work

Baastel designed the project through a multi-phased approach that included:

• Coordinating an inclusive stakeholder consultation process
• Conducting assessments to identify opportunities for improved protected area management, community-led conservation, sustainable investments, policy improvements, and innovative financing mechanisms
• Organizing project development, data validation, and stakeholder engagement workshops
• Preparation and refinement of critical project documents to meet GEF approval standards, including environmental and social management systems and safeguard risk assessments

Results

The project is designed to deliver four transformative outcomes:

• Governance and policy: Strengthened policies and land-use plans that value the biodiversity and ecological benefits of Selva Maya
• Protection and Restoration: Increased conservation efforts through capacity building and nature-based solutions
• Financing: Increased investment through innovative financial instruments and public-private partnerships
• Regional Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration, knowledge sharing and awareness for forest conservation

The Mesoamerican Forest Integrated Program

This initiative aims to conserve Mesoamerica’s primary forests – vital habitats for endangered species, critical carbon stores, and lifelines for millions of people. With nearly half of the region’s natural habitats lost and severe deforestation in the remaining forests, the GEF-8 funding cycle (2022-2026) supports targeted actions to protect these critical ecosystems. The program focuses on expanding and managing protected areas, promoting sustainable policies, mobilizing conservation finance, and raising awareness of the invaluable local and global benefits forests provide.

Related Service(s)

• Strategic Planning, Design & Research

Related Impact Area(s)

• Environmental