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Maya Mountain Research Farm – Permaculture & Food Security Hub in Belize
Trust T1
- Climate Zones
- Tropical rainforest.
- Regenerative Focus
- Permaculture, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation.
About this land node
Maya Mountain Research Farm demonstrates permaculture-based food security and ecological regeneration, restoring forest and farmland in the Maya Mountains of Belize.
Overview
- Project Vision
- Ensure food security and regenerate ecosystems via permaculture.
- Project Purpose
- Demonstrate permaculture systems to ensure food security, restore ecosystems, and support community resilience through education and agroforestry.
- Project Title
- Maya Mountain Research Farm
- Political Location
- Toledo District, Belize
Ecology & biodiversity
- Flora & Fauna
- Cacao, mahogany, jaguars, macaws, howler monkeys.
- Keystone species
- Jaguars, apex predators ensuring ecosystem health.
- Biodiversity context
- Near Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Belize biodiversity corridor.
- Ecological corridors
- Links Cockscomb to Bladen reserve.
- Natural boundaries
- Located within Columbia River watershed in the Maya Mountains.
- Ecosystem unity
- Tropical rainforest and agroforest mosaic linking slopes and valleys to support biodiversity and water cycling.
Climate & water
- Climate Zones
- Tropical rainforest.
- Rainfall patterns
- Rainy Jun–Nov (~400 mm/month); dry Dec–May.
- Average Rainfall
- 3,000+ mm/year
- Temperature Extremes
- 22°C to 32°C
- Average Temperature
- 27°C average
- Watershed
- Columbia River watershed draining into the Caribbean Sea.
- Aquifers & groundwater
- Sustainable aquifer use and water harvesting.
- Nearby water bodies
- ≈5 km to Columbia River; ≈30 km to Caribbean Sea
Land & terrain
- Elevation & slope
- 200–500 m; steep slopes and valleys.
- Landforms
- Maya Mountains’ rugged landscape.
- Soil Types
- Loamy fertile soils supporting permaculture crops.
- Soil health
- Moderate organic matter, rising through permaculture.
- Erosion risk
- Moderate risk; mitigated with terracing and ground cover.
- Natural resources
- Water, biodiversity.
- Renewable resource potential
- Solar energy, biomass, water harvesting.
People & history
- Land Acknowledgements
- Honours Maya people and cultural practices.
- Traditional ecological knowledge
- Maya agroforestry and permaculture techniques.
- Human Cultures
- Maya communities and researchers.
- Cultural continuity
- Maya communities, eco-tourists, researchers
- Cultural landscapes
- Permaculture farms, research plots, community education spaces.
- Recent land history
- Past deforestation now under restoration.
Regenerative practice
- Regenerative Focus
- Permaculture, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation.
- Regenerative Methodologies
- Terraced plantings, multi-strata agroforestry, seed saving.
- Environmental objectives
- Enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, stabilize water.
- Community objectives
- Empower communities with knowledge and resilient livelihoods.
- Community engagement
- Workshops, research programs, eco‑tours.
- Economic Model
- Donations, eco‑tourism, farm produce.
Impact
- Expressed Impact
- Converted 40 hectares to permaculture, increased biodiversity by 15%, trained 100+ farmers.
- Key impact metrics
- Hectares under permaculture, biodiversity increase, farmers trained.
Visiting & links
- Nearest urban centres
- ≈40 km from Punta Gorda.
- Website
- https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/maya-mountain-research-farm-belize/
- Social media
- https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities