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BOTANICAL GARDEN "EL HORMIGO"
The Project contemplates the planting of a botanical garden of 16 hectares in order to create a genetic source for species native to the area, where investigations related to the following areas will be conducted.
Deforested land ... DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTIONThe Hormigo tree (Platymiscium dimorphandrum) produces the wood used in the construction of the marimba, Guatemala's national musical instrument which dates from the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. This tree is grave danger of becoming extinct as are hundreds of other trees and plants from the jungles of Guatemala. 1. Adaptation. Development and Behavior of Tropical Forest Species to an Artificial Medium.The investigation will be done through the cultivation of the appropriate species such as zapoton (Pachira acuatica), anonillo (Annona glabra) and all the others known to be native to the area, in order to form an ecosystem similar to the original forest. This is vital for the survival of the species involved. The main objective is to save our flora from extinction by cultivating a genetic bank for future generations. This work is important and urgent as forest are disappearing at an alarming rate without any visible means of control at this time. It is the responsibility of each one of us to protect our naturally renewable resources for they are the fountain of life. 2. Recuperation of Water Sources on Impoverished Land.Due to the continual need for land for agricultural purposes, we have for centuries been stripping our forests which unfortunately brings with it the loss of our flora, fauna and water sources. The prolonged use of these fragile tropical soils has turned them into desert-like systems resulting in the further impoverishment of the inhabitants of the areas where natural resources no longer exist. The project will investigate this very vital point, seeking the recuperation of water sources through intensive reforestation with aquatic species. Thus, the humidity of the soil can be maintained and the sun's rays avoided, thus helping to recuperate the water table. 3. Cultivation Alternative for Degraded Soils and Sustainable Agriculture for the Protection of Biospheres.The tracts of land parceled out to the farmers situated in the biospheres each have an extension of 28 manzanas (1acre-0.7 manzana). The project intends to show that it is possible to use just 10 manzanas, one per year, for the cultivation of traditional crops such as corn, black beans, rice and peppers. The process would be as follows: The first year the first manzana is cleared and planted with one of the basic crops. The wood, depending on what it is, can be sold, used for building or for firewood. Once the crops are in, the parcel is reforested with appropriate seedlings and tropical fruits for family consumption. These would be available for at least two years until the seedlings outgrow them. The second year the same process is followed with the second manzana. At the end of 10 years, the process begins again with the original manzana where there will be a young, usable forest and the soil will be biologically recuperated. Of the original 28 manzanas 18 are still untouched. Education will be the vital part of this process. 4. School will be started for the formation of agriforest technicians, teaching them to cultivate and manage reforestation and gardening projects with native species.This will include such varieties as rattan like plants which will provide raw material for artesans, carpenters, cabinet makers, and woodworkers. There will be seminars to train men and women in handicrafts and woodworking. There is no such school currently in Guatemala. These teachings have been passed on from one generation to the next within families. For many years, young people have rebelled and lost interest in learning their traditions, but interest is again growing. 5. Environmental EducationEducation is already taking place on a small and somewhat superficial level, but environmental education must be intensified through specific programs and it must be made to reach all schools and distant villages. The final objective would be to create an awareness of the importance the environment has in the lives of the inhabitants of our threatened planet. The work will be done by volunteers and with the help of environmental groups. 6. Construction in Area Designated for Multiple Uses.
In August of 1997, construction of the museum module will begin, a 10x20 meter structure built with natural local materials, all of which will be immediately replaced by reforestation. The main exhibit in the museum will be a 75 piece collection of petrified woods found in the area which will be available for study and identification purposes. This module will also house a permanent handicraft exhibition from the workshops and a library open to students, educational entities and the public in general. The second module to be constructed will be the school, a 20x30 meter structure using the same "use and replace" guidelines as before. The third structure will be a 10x20 meter module for use as a workshop and necessary storage. The fourth structure will be a 10x10 meter module to be used as living quarters for visitors and volunteers. These two last modules will also incorporate the "use and replace" guidelines. PROJECT REFERENCESDr. Margaret Dix Dr. Elfriede de Poll Dr. Juan Fernando Hernandez Arg. Gloria de Chirouze Mr. & Mrs. Kevin and Louise Lucas Mrs. Regina de Riojas PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION (Emilio Mendizabal)Owner/Director of the botanical and forest nursery "El Ciricote". This is where I have begun to investigate how to reproduce and adapt the tropical rain forest species to an artificial medium in order to cultivate a germ plasm. There are about 2,000 species, each with its individual registry of valuable information and slides of flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds. Ongoing work is also being done in the investigation of cultivation options for depleted soils and their restructuring by biological means. Originally, the space between newly planted trees was used to advantage for the cultivation of tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, banana, plantain, sugar cane and sorrel. Now, very little sun penetrates the canopy plants that grow in the under story and foods for humans and animals are growing along with ferns, bromeliads, epiphytes, and heliconias to form a functioning ecosystem. My first objective was to preserve the trees that give us fine woods, and only those were planted in the nursery. These were soon victimized by plagues which taught me the importance and necessity of planting other species to obtain a balance necessary for growth and development. This demonstrated that tropical areas are not adequate for monocultivation unless potent chemicals are used in amounts that would bring serious repercussions for the ecology, such as a contaminated water table. I truly believe that it is every person's responsibility to safeguard our natural resources and thus pass on to future generations an environment full of life and abundant clean water. Experience has taught me to recognize and identify many species and their principal uses. Among the 2,000 presently growing at El Ciricote a large percentage are curative or medicinal plants. Seeing their accelerated destruction has obliged me to seek their protection. The funds for El Ciricote have been obtained from the sale of nursery trees and plants, the designing and planting of gardens and small reforestation projects entrusted to me. EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS (Emilio Mendizabal)Practical Botanist, Conferences at:
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