Our Mission
APROSARSTUN is a Mayan Q’eqchi organization promoting sustainable development in the Sarstún River Protected Area in southeast Guatemala. Our mission is to improve livelihoods in the communities in the Sarstun watershed region while protecting the rich biodiversity and ecology.
What We Do
Capacity Building & Leadership
Workshops, exchanges and leadership training ensure participation of women, youth and diverse community members. Projects are implemented by local beneficiaries who pass on knowledge to others.
Community Health
Family health is addressed though improved water and sanitation as well as clean burning stoves. Food projects give access to improved nutrition. Workshops and advocacy promote access to needed health services.
Local Economic Development
Improving economic well-being while preserving natural resources is a priority for the communities. Projects address agricultural production, community enterprises, and improved household economics.
Ecological Awareness and actions in the work of APROSARSTUN
.“We are committed to sustainable development, protecting the rich biodiversity and ecology of our home area. All of our projects are therefore based on participatory approaches to sustainable resource management.”
Involving Our Youth in Environmental Actions
“The inclusion of youth in the agroforestry system in the communities of the Sarstun Region is our commitment! Only in this way can we raise the awareness we want in more young people who can contribute to the care of the environment!”
SUPPORTING WOMEN – changing the story
“In our village, we have not had the opportunity (in the past) of projects that directly benefitted the women, but you have thought about the lives of rural women and are changing the story of our communities.” – Beneficiary of a new eco stove
“The intervention of APROSARSTUN in our community is a blessing. I have seen many incredible things that they do for the development of the communities.” – Beneficiary of the household water project