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  Reservation of Biosphere Sierra of the Mines

The Sierra of the Mines is a spectacular chain of mountains with a wide variety of elevations that have allowed the formation of many different forest types, from dry forest to tropical rain forests. The region is an important source of sweet water with the head waters of more than sixty streams flowing into the Motagua and Polocchic rivers. The Reservation has an area of 242,642 hectares (600,000 acres) and it includes territories of the departments of High Verapaz, Low Verapaz, The Progress, Izabal and Zacapa. In its forests, the widest habitat extension is conserved for the Quetzal , the national bird of Guatemala.  

The Sierra of the Mines is a genetic bank of great importance for the coniferous forests of Central America. It contains around 15 tree species and a great genetic diversity. The forests of Sierra of the Mines serve as home to more than 885 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The human component plays a decisive role in the conservation of this reservation and in the handling of the derived natural resources. Among the population that benefits from the Sierra of the Mines include groups such as the Q’eqch’ies (Northwest side) and Poq’omchi’ (south side). The Defensores de la Naturaleza (Nature Defenders) have administered the Reservation of the Biosphere Sierra of the Mines since 1990, aided by the Legislative Ordinance 49-90.

The biggest challenges on the Sierra of the Mines area at this moment are the threat of wildfire and the invasion and pressure of illegal logging. These challenges of protecting the natural resources and values have been successful, however efforts are ongoing.