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Contour Lines – Contour Planting & Sustainable Agriculture Hub in the Guatemalan Highlands

Trust T1

Climate Zones: Tropical highland.
Regenerative Focus: Ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, erosion control.

About this land node

Contour Lines revitalizes degraded highland soils through contour planting and agroforestry, supporting Maya Kaqchikel farmers and restoring steep landscapes for long-term resilience.

Overview

Project Vision: Restore degraded land and support sustainable farming systems via contour planting.
Project Purpose: Restore degraded land and support sustainable agriculture through contour planting, agroforestry, and community training, improving soil health and water retention.
Project Title: Contour Lines
Political Location: Chimaltenango Department, Guatemala

Ecology & biodiversity

Biodiversity context: Adjacent to Sierra de las Minas biosphere reserve.
Ecological corridors: Links Sierra de las Minas to Atitlán Volcano.
Natural boundaries: Located in the Motagua River watershed and Guatemalan highlands.
Ecosystem unity: Tropical highland landscape of steep slopes, valleys, and volcanoes supporting diverse crops and wildlife.

Climate & water

Climate Zones: Tropical highland.
Rainfall patterns: Rainy May–Oct (~200 mm/month); dry Nov–Apr.
Average Rainfall: 800–1,200 mm/year
Temperature Extremes: 10°C to 25°C
Average Temperature: 17°C average
Watershed: Motagua River watershed draining into Caribbean.
Nearby water bodies: ≈20 km to Motagua River; ≈50 km to Lake Atitlán

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope: 1,500–2,500 m; steep slopes.
Landforms: Rugged mountains and terraces.
Soil Types: Volcanic loam soils fertile but susceptible to erosion; improved with contour planting.
Soil health: Moderate organic matter, increasing through mulching.
Erosion risk: High erosion risk; mitigated by contour planting and terraces.
Renewable resource potential: Solar energy, water harvesting, biomass from highlands.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements: Honours Maya Kaqchikel culture.
Recent land history: Soil erosion and deforestation now reversed.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus: Ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, erosion control.
Regenerative Methodologies: Contour planting, agroforestry, community-led conservation.
Environmental objectives: Reduce soil erosion, enhance biodiversity, restore water cycles.
Community objectives: Support local livelihoods, provide education, foster resilience.
Community engagement: Workshops, eco‑tours, community training.
Economic Model: Donations, eco‑tourism, agricultural sales.

Impact

Expressed Impact: Converted 80 ha, reduced erosion by 20%, trained 100+ farmers.
Key impact metrics: Ha planted, erosion reduced, farmers trained.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres: ≈40 km from Antigua.
Website: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/contour-lines-guatemala/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ecosystemrestorationcommunities