GUATEMALA

CEPC-Tolimán

CEPC-Tolimán is a community-focused permaculture initiative in rural Guatemala founded and run entirely by Indigenous Mayan-Kaqchikel people. They are dedicated to protecting the environment and empowering the local community through ecological agriculture projects and training.

CEPC-Tolimán's story

The village of Quixaya (where CEPC Toliman operates) is an incredible story of transformation. In the 1980s, 63 Kaqchikel Mayan families living in the Quixaya community were able to legally take back their ancestral lands after generations of working for a plantation owner. The families joined together to start an ecological community initiative. Using traditional Mayan knowledge and agroecological practices, they transformed the industrial monoculture farm into a lush, biodiverse permaculture system. In 2018, community members established CEPC Tolimán (Centro Ecologico de Permacultura Comunitaria Toliman) to continue practicing ecological agriculture and working towards food sovereignty.

Their work focuses on: 1) Providing practical training and workshops that teach local Mayan families about ecological agriculture  and nutritional foods; and 2) Managing community food systems which includes: ‘milpa’ native crop farms (Mesoamerican diversified system); community and family-intensive gardens; aquaculture systems (tilapia and vegetables); a food forest & agroforestry nursery; a community chicken coop; a demonstration kitchen & processing center.

What they do

Agroforestry Team Training

Currently in the process of training an agroforestill be using syntrophic principles and other regenerative practices which focus on a more holistic approach to managing the land. They’ll be working with local farmers to create a sustainable model for growing food that can be replicated throughout the country.

Community Centres

They’re currently in the process of raising funds for the construction of a community center where self-guided learning will take priority over traditional school systems. This space will also double as an emergency shelter during hurricanes and earthquakes. Their goal is simple — to provide a safe space equipped with the tools to help you further your own learning and progress, at whatever pace feels right to you. We want to create a space where anyone can have access to knowledge regardless of age, sex or creed.

Mushroom cultivation

Continued learning about identifying and cultivating both edible and medicinal mushrooms. We hope that this will be an extra source of nutrition for our community, and that it influences others to start cultivating for themselves.

Regenerative Food Systems

They have created six regenerative food systems, so far, that not only feed their community but also rebuilds depleted soil while acting as a living seed bank by providing seeds for the creation of future food systems. They have been flourishing and helping show community members what is possible when we work together to create a healthy environment for all of us.

Supporter donations have enabled CEPC-Tolimán to:

  • Seed library - Grown in Haiti needs funds to procure new seeds and improve storage of their seed library.
  • Community Centre Structure - Funds are needed to improve and expand the structure for the community centre.
  • Future workshops - More funds means the capacity for more and better workshops!
  • Website hosting costs
  • Information exchange and networking - If you, or anyone you know, has expertise in agroecology, regenerative agriculture, or community organising, please don't hesitate to reach out!
  • Seed swapping - Would you like to exchange seeds and improve the biodiversity of our library as well as yours? Get in touch!