Maya Mountain Research Farm – Permaculture & Food Security Hub in Belize
- Climate Zones
- Tropical rainforest.
- Regenerative Focus
- Permaculture, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation.
About this land node
Maya Mountain Research Farm demonstrates permaculture-based food security and ecological regeneration, restoring forest and farmland in the Maya Mountains of Belize.
Overview
- Project Vision
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Ensure food security and regenerate ecosystems via permaculture.
- Project Purpose
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Demonstrate permaculture systems to ensure food security, restore ecosystems, and support community resilience through education and agroforestry.
- Project Title
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Maya Mountain Research Farm
- Political Location
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Toledo District, Belize
Ecology & biodiversity
- Biodiversity context
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Near Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Belize biodiversity corridor.
- Ecological corridors
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Links Cockscomb to Bladen reserve.
- Natural boundaries
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Located within Columbia River watershed in the Maya Mountains.
- Ecosystem unity
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Tropical rainforest and agroforest mosaic linking slopes and valleys to support biodiversity and water cycling.
Climate & water
- Climate Zones
-
Tropical rainforest.
- Rainfall patterns
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Rainy Jun–Nov (~400 mm/month); dry Dec–May.
- Average Rainfall
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3,000+ mm/year
- Temperature Extremes
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22°C to 32°C
- Average Temperature
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27°C average
- Watershed
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Columbia River watershed draining into the Caribbean Sea.
- Nearby water bodies
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≈5 km to Columbia River; ≈30 km to Caribbean Sea
Land & terrain
- Elevation & slope
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200–500 m; steep slopes and valleys.
- Landforms
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Maya Mountains’ rugged landscape.
- Soil Types
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Loamy fertile soils supporting permaculture crops.
- Soil health
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Moderate organic matter, rising through permaculture.
- Erosion risk
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Moderate risk; mitigated with terracing and ground cover.
- Renewable resource potential
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Solar energy, biomass, water harvesting.
People & history
- Land Acknowledgements
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Honours Maya people and cultural practices.
- Recent land history
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Past deforestation now under restoration.
Regenerative practice
- Regenerative Focus
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Permaculture, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation.
- Regenerative Methodologies
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Terraced plantings, multi-strata agroforestry, seed saving.
- Environmental objectives
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Enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, stabilize water.
- Community objectives
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Empower communities with knowledge and resilient livelihoods.
- Community engagement
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Workshops, research programs, eco‑tours.
- Economic Model
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Donations, eco‑tourism, farm produce.
Impact
- Expressed Impact
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Converted 40 hectares to permaculture, increased biodiversity by 15%, trained 100+ farmers.
- Key impact metrics
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Hectares under permaculture, biodiversity increase, farmers trained.
Visiting & links
- Nearest urban centres
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≈40 km from Punta Gorda.
- Website
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https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/maya-mountain-research-farm-belize/
- Social media
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https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities