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Sustainability by Students: Protecting the Q'eqchi' Watershed

Environmental stewardship is not a class—it’s a calling. Our commitment to sustainability is led by the students themselves, who founded the groundbreaking organization Aprosarstún to actively preserve the environment while improving livelihoods in their home region.

Aprosarstún works in 16 communities in the Sarstun watershed region, focusing on preventing deforestation, reducing water contamination, and addressing overfishing.

Aprosarstún: Our Triple-Action Strategy

Replanting Trees:

Organizing community efforts for reforestation and promoting responsible land management.

Impact & Innovation

Combats deforestation and helps stabilize the delicate ecosystem of the watershed.

Installing Wood-Saving Cook Stoves:

Replacing traditional open-air fire pits with high-efficiency stoves.

Impact & Innovation

Directly improves the health and quality of life for women who spend hours cooking, reducing smoke inhalation and the demand for firewood.

Conservation Workshops:

Giving presentations in communities and at the Ak’ Tenamit school to prompt students to share the importance of conservation directly with their families.

Impact & Innovation

Creates a multiplier effect, turning students into educators who drive community-wide behavioral change.

Sustainable Livelihoods:
The Plan Grande Model​

Since 2001, Ak’ Tenamit has actively worked with the village of Plan Grande Quehueche to help it realize its goal of becoming a self-sufficient eco-tourism destination.

Guests don’t just see the natural attractions; they experience local culture by working alongside residents, attending Mayan ceremonies, and enjoying traditional stories, dance, and music—creating authentic income opportunities.