I am from Guatemala, a very rich country considered the origin for many species; like corn, bean and cocoa among others.

I´m proud to belong to the Mayan Q´eqchi´ town, one of several located at the north of Guatemala. Heirs of ancient knowledge of the Mayan elders, who lived with exuberant nature imitating it in their agriculture, interpreting the moon as rain forecast and planning the time to plant. For example, my grandfather taught me to plant corn on full moon to avoid spoilt.  

Currently we are facing a latent threat which is to lose the biodiversity that we still have. The government politics intend to loot the biological wealth and privatize life and thus become more dependent on trasnational corporations, causing a rural exodus to urban areas.

The cornfield system; corn, bean, herbs, mushrooms and peppers together is one of many ancient practices which we promote and work with. Men and women participate in a cycle of natural production where corn coexists with many species which are used as they grow. This system is a tradition that comes from human coexistence and for me that is priceless. It is also a way to resist the ravages of global poverty that has been generated in indigenous areas.

Do you want to be part of this challenge?