The Atitlan Fund

Following many years of scientific research involving members of our board of directors, government institutions, and universities, proven technological solutions have been identified that are part of the sustainable long term measures to deal with wastewater management in the Atitlan Basin accompanied with Government Policy Change.

In October 2017 Amigos del Lago sponsored “Xocomil Científico” a scientific Summit In which 10 scientists 5 from Guatemala and 5 from around world were invited along with all private and public universities of Guatemala, local authorities, central government and private sector. The goal was to discuss and establish and present a consensual technical solution to solidify the international and local scientific community, private sector, and governmental relationships that are needed to conserve Lake Atitlan.

One million trees and 2000 linear meters of "Tul" were planted thus far by students, local governments and other government agencies. Private companies and government agencies coordinated by Amigos del Lago, provide the tecnical know how, permits, sprouts and logistics: fire containment measures and general care and maintenance by hired villagers are performed throughout the year.

On march 9th. llegal hunters that camped in the southern skirts of the volcano Atitlan and started a small fire which, fanned by strong winds, has now turned into a ravishing fire destructing hundreds of acres.

Video Here Volcano Atitlan Fire

The Atitlán Volcano, which towers over 3,535 meters above sea level, is the Atitlán Basin's highest summit. Covered by lush forests, it is also the natural habitat of many species, which now, unfortunately, face an uncertain fate.

Local farmers and many volunteers, with the help of firefighters and the Guatemalan army, struggle to contain it as it threatened to destroy in its path the most important conglomerate of National Private Reserves of the Atitlán Region. With a combined extension of over 4,000 hectares, these reserves are home to several endangered species such as the resplendent Quetzal (Guatemala’s national bird), the almost extinct Puma, and Horned Guan.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time fires have devastated forests in the Atitlán basin. Through our partnership with Asociación Amigos del Lago Atitlán, The Atitlan Fund is working to provide medium and long-term solutions by reforesting forests that have been devastated by deforestation and forest fires and through supporting prevention activities in the Atitlán basin.

Please consider helping protect the valuable natural habitats of the Atitlán basin by donating to the Reforestation and Watershed Programs.

A Mandatory course sponsored and implemented by Amigos del Lago since 2016, has reached 184 schools, 17,000 students, 1100 Educators, and 1,400 Parents. These go hand in hand with Reforestation and Watershed Reclamation and Recycling and Solid Waste Management programs, educating the on the value of environmental preservation.

Through women's empowerment projects, in a collective effort between 13 municipalities, private business, and Amigos del Lago, 1,600 women have organized. They have collected 400 tons of plastic, cardboard, glass for recycling that generated Q300,000 Quetzals in income that go back into the community.

Throughout 2019, Amigos del Lago together with local businesses saved 41,000 acres of Lake Atitlán's surface water from cooking oil contamination, 128% of its surface area. We need to continue practical and straightforward actions to save Lake Atitlan. A simple work collecting cooking oil in the Atitlan Basin is critical to keep pollution out of this beautiful lake. Oil is sold to soap making factories. This project is not yet sustainable, and we need to provide more funds with your help to improve reach and logistics!

Painting for Change Pintando el Cambio promotes art for social change, painting houses using traditional designs. This action encourages community engagement while preserving culture and traditions in Santa Catarina Palopo. Pintando el Cambio facilitates community engagement, provides technical support, skilled labor, and supplies to paint houses and public buildings using the communities' traditional designs. This project is transforming its first community of 6800, Santa Catarina Palopó, one of 19 municipalities surrounding the lake.