A HISTORY OF THE EL PILAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE FOR MAYA FLORA AND FAUNA
 
 
Begun as an archaeological research project focused on the cultural ecology of the Maya forest, BRASS/El Pilar has grown into a major interdisciplinary research program with wide implications for past interpretations, current development, and future conservation.
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
RESEARCH
 
 
 
 
1972
 
 
 
 
 
 
El Pilar archaeological site recorded by Belize Department of Archaeology (DoA) by Joseph Palacio and Harriet Topsey, full extent unknown
BZ
El Pilar archaeological site is recorded in the Belize Department of Archaeology - full extent remains unknown
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Development of Belize River Settlement Survey with DoA
 
1982
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS submits first sketched map of El Pilar to DoA
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jaime Awe encourages Anabel Ford, director UCSB's Belize River Settlement Survey (BRASS) to visit El Pilar.
 
1983
 
 
 
 
 
 
The first map of El Pilar is registered at the Belize DoA
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1984
A. Ford presents her research to Cayo JC's, attended by Daniel Silva
BZ
 
Existence of a causeway connecting to El Pil to Pilar Poniente is recorded at DOA, Belize
BZ
BRASS fieldwork concentrates on local settlement patterns. Transect to El Pilar &El Pilar mapped
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1986
 
 
 
 
 
 
Department of Archaeology initializes conservation at El Pilar with BRASS project
BZ
BRASS begins survey and initial map of El Pilar, and causeway to the west is identified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
Preliminary investigations at El Pilar recovers chronological data from looters' trenches
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
BRASS begins backfilling of looter's trenches are backfilled
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1989
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford and DoA discuss w/ rep Silva regarding developmet of El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1992
Area Representative Daniel Silva supports community clearing of El Pilar’s plazas
BZ
 
BRASS/El Pilar & DoA circulate proposals for boundaries for a protected reserve at El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General meeting is held with El Pilar workers' families about development at El Pilar
BZ
 
Tourism developments:
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* journalist Carol Miller visits El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* San Ignacio Hotel features El Pilar on brochures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 14,000 USD
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
RESEARCH
 
1993
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford to Minister Silva regarding proposal for the designation of El Pilar as an archaeological-botanical reserve
 
First full-scale investigation of El Pilar by BRASS
 
 
A Ford holds meetings with community members, presenting the idea of a community organization related to plans at El Pilar
BZ
 
BZ
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Program is launched
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The BRASS/El Pilar project, under the field direction of D. Clark Wernecke, begins a two year site core mapping program
 
 
On June 30, 1993, Amigos de El Pilar group is formed, members join, and officers are elected
 
 
A. Ford visits Natural Resources regarding a land survey request for El Pilar in May 1993
BZ
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP solicits BEST/GEF for support
BZ
 
The Stratton lease is put into effect February
BZ
Dr. Michael Balick of the New York Botanical Gardens initiates a project on growth patterns at El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fall 1993, A. Ford is approached by the Cayo BTIA regarding a possible collaboration which would bring El Pilar into the tourist world
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diane Peyrefitte of Help for Progress Report on trip to El Pilar with community groups
BZ
 
Allan Moore of DoA to Ford supporting the preservation of El Pilar - May 1993
BZ
"Forbidden Zone" Established and registared in Forestry north of Lec
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford to DoA in regard to a proposal for an archaeological/ botanical Border Park at El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford to UNESCO World Heritage list, July 1993
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP is officially registered as a non-profit organization on Sept. 7, 1994, a set of bylaws are drafted, and record keeping is regularized. Assistance form environmental law consultant David Brennan Esq.
BZ
 
BTB Vacation Planner List includes El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
BRASS : Teo Williams as full-time caretaker at site
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar maintenance: 3,500 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 16,000 USD
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar caretaking: 10,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
 
1994
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
USAID/NARMAP funds Links between the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), and the Amigos de El Pilar.
BZ
 
A. Ford to the Belize Ministry of Natural Resources RE: Reserve boundaries in March 1994
 
A master map of the site core is completed, revealing 15 additional major structures, two causeways, and six plazas to the original map
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Teo Williams' stories are chronicled, taped and transcribed
 
 
USAID/NARMAP links the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), and the Amigos de El Pilar sponsor community education in resource conservation, craft production, and the development of a trail system and caretaker's facilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
With assistance from the Ix Chel Botanical Research Center, BRASS/El Pilar begins to identify and label medicinal and economically important species at the site
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP participates in Fiesta El Pilar, held on May 5
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
AdEP starts to compile community and personal histories and document traditional dances such as the Legend of the Hog Head and Mestizada dances
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GoB provides funds for full-time caretaker at El Pilar. BRASS continues funding two additional caretakers
BZ
Mapping and testing at El Pilar to document plaza connections and construction motives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Help for Progress NGO begins participation with Amigos de El Pilar
BZ/GT
 
1st Fiesta El Pilar - over 400 regional Maya forest celebrants in attendance on May 5
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar village employment: 16,000 USD
BZ
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 4,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Local caretaker installed by GoB
BZ
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP member Prost creates trail signs for El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford to head of IDEAH to present proposal of mapping Pilar Poniente
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The El Pilar Program obtains permits to conduct a preliminary survey of Pilar Poniente, Guatemala
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collaboration w/ IDEAH/CONAP mapping El Pilar Poniente
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS, with Lic. Miguel Orrego, presents the results of mapping to IDEAH, and recommend the establishment of a contiguous reserve in Guatemala
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Protection of Pilar Poniente site taken up with Consejo Technico de Arqueologia, and A. Ford invited to meet with the Ministry of Culture to present her vision of El Pilar Sept 1994
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mexico expresses interest in El Pilar, as a way to expand the Mundo Maya program
MX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
1995
A. Ford meets with the Bullet Tree Falls Village Council, and with area representative Fernandez regarding land issues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
El Pilar field season focuses on refining preliminary maps, investigating lines of communication in the southern ceremonial center, and to begin examining the ceremonial structures of Plaza Copal. Excavation phase of investigation
 
 
BZ
 
Lands survey / Official boundaries of El Pilar Reserve are established in Belize
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP participates in Mobile TNC workshops May/June
BZ
 
Community meeting in Calla Creek - land use/claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford meets Bullet Tree Falls Village Council and area representative Fernandez addressing land issues
 
Tunnel excavation evidence dates El Pilar history spans over 2700 years
 
 
AdEP participates in Fiesta El Pilar, June 10, 1995
BZ
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A.Ford to Police Chief, Cayo Station: El Pilar security, March
BZ
Miguel Orrego begins excavations in the Xic Na
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A galleria is constructed in Bullet Tree Falls with the aid of Global Roots to be managed cooperatively between AdEP and the Bullet Tree Falls Village Council
 
 
El Pilar conceptualized in Guatemala , January
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lands evaluation by Belize Law w/ support of UF
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Controlled survey of EPAR by Cayo District Lands & Surve provides a basis for linking control points at El Pilar International Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction of a caretakers house at El Pilar with NARMAP and BRASS funds
BZ
 
 
AdEP cosponsors BEST/U. West Indies Community Development Workshops in Bullet Tree Falls
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
El Pilar trail signs updated and plazas are given names that correspond to nature
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
Training of local tour guides by BRASS/El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
with first draft edition of El Pilar Trail guide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Ford to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Lands and Survey re: land claims at El Pilar, March
 
Maya Forest-Garden at Tzunu'un initiated
 
 
BEST funded workshops
BZ
 
BZ
Tzunu'un mapping initiated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP sponsored Bicycle race (Sept 17)
BZ
 
2nd Fiesta El Pilar, June 10, 1995, with 800 visitors
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effort to integrate local tour guides and AdEP into development efforts at the site by BRASS
BZ
 
Effort to integrate local tour guides and AdEP into development efforts at the site
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP initiates environmental education Rosita Arvigo lecture at BTF elementary school
 
 
Co-participant USIA links Mexico and UCSB conservation at El Pilar. Embassy of Mexico
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
MX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 5,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
1996
 
 
 
 
 
 
The legal description of the reserve boundaries is written in the Belmopan Department of Lands, Belize
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Field season focus on investigations/excavations of Maya house Tzunu'un, Zotz Na entrance, Plaza Jobo, and the H'mena acropolis
 
 
AdEP hosts and attends Natural History workshop held at the Belize Zoo with Sharon Matola
BZ
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP Presents funds to Leukemia victim
BZ
 
Commission Centroamericana de Ambiente y Desarrollo (CCAD) holds a binational workshop, "Encuentro El Pilar," discuss shared concerns for El Pilar Belize-Guatemala, outline preliminary steps to declare El Pilar protected areas in both counties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP collaboration in Fiesta El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
El Pilar participates in Sacred Heart Junior College’s Career Week and expresses desire for further collaboration with the school
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
First Model Maya house excavation/garden
 
 
AdEP petition support for El Pilar Reserve Statutory Instrument given the lands dispute
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Support for participating forest-gardeners / Carmen Cruz
 
 
BZ
 
El Pilar is listed among 100 sites in peril by the World Monument Watch
BZ/GT
 
 
 
Maya forest-garden project, "Reviving the traditional Forest Garden," is initiated with funds from the Ford Foundation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visitor outhouses installed and trail stairways are improved by BRASS/El Pilar
 
 
 
U. Florida comm. dev team makes initial visit to the community
BZ
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global Roots sponsors the expansion of the BTF AdEP center andis renamed "Be Pukte," Mayan for Bullet Tree Road
BZ
 
Jose Antonio Montes joines EP Program as policy expert
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collaboration with Mexico's INAH (Instituto Nacional de Anthropologia e Historia) at El Pilar
BZ
 
 
Publication of booklet & ed materials, est WWW site
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 20,000 USD
BZ
 
Collaboration w/ Mexico's INAH (Instituto Nacional de Anthropologia e Historia) w/ cosolidation of Zotz Na
MX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiesta El Pilar is celebrated, with an attendance of 1200
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 5,000 USD
 
BZ
Connection between Plaza Copal, Plaza Duende and a linear feature connected to the eastern ridge assessed as an accessway
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
1997
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mesoamerican Law Center/UFlorida contracted to facilitate community participation in EPAR management and conduct and legal study of a conservation strategy for El Pilar
 
Conservation developed in the context of a training program for local workers, managed by Conservation director Rudy Larios and his assistant Enrique Monterroso
 
 
The Mesoamerican Law Center, University of Florida is contracted by the BRASS/El Pilar Program and begins community assessment project and legal study of a conservation strategy for El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
MacArthur World Environment and Resources Program and the Ford Foundation provide seed funds for the international and multidisciplinary workshop on El Pilar , the Mesa Redonda, in Mexico City to develop a management strategy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designation of community/program advocate, Anselmo Casteneda
BZ/GT
 
 
The vault of The Majesty of the Xamanaj Temple at Plaza Lec is the focus of rescue work
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
Landscape architects from U. New Mexico visit Be Pukte
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ford Foundation visits El Pilar
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiesta El Pilar held for third year
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regional advocates Anselmo Casteneda and Jose Antonio Montes are hired by BRASS/El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lands resolution. Land claimants compensated
BZ
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/EL Pilar Village Employment: 24,000 USD
 
BZ
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 6,000 USD
 
BZ
Excavation at Plaza Jobo is guided by conservation and consolidation w/R. Larios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
El Pilar Mapping Project initiated w/ W. Poe Sonoma State U
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiesta El Pilar held for fourth year colaboration
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excavations at Tzunu'un focused expose structures of the courtyard plaza to understand function, construction history, and overall plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lands resolution and claimants compensated
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar explores possibility of collaboration with Fundacion Solar, a Guatemalan NGO
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Ford meets Guatemalan Amb A Castellanos about making El Pilar an archaeological reserve
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
1998
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP officially opens the Be Pukte Cultural Center
BZ
 
The El Pilar Archaeological Reserve is registered by a Statutory Instrument in Belize. No 54 of 1998
 
Forest-Garden project focuses on the mapping of the established garden and collection of information on plants that can be used for education and tourism
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
Agreement w/ BRASS/El Pilar and Belizean NGO Help for Progress to work with AdEP and consolidate EPAR management efforts
 
 
Agreement between BRASS/El Pilar and Belizean NGO Help for Progress to consolidate EPAR management efforts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP inauguration El Pilar scale model at Be Pukte
BZ
 
Raleigh International volunteers work on the construction of the modern Maya house, two visitor rest stops, and a new champa in Plaza Duende
BZ
Field focus on the residential unit Tzunu'un and reexamination of the Xik Na tunnel.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP women make informal linkage with women of Calla Creek to explain craft initiative at BePukte
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Renovation of El Pilar trail system to improve maintenance and access
BZ
Excavation at Tzunu'un reveals an "eastern shrine" residential temple
 
 
AdEP visits Harris Farm
BZ
 
 
 
AdEP carries out interviews with 150 families
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
Fiesta El Pilar become an annual event
BZ
Consolidation of main walls of the southern structure at Tzunu'un
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP involvement in the Mesa Redonda II
BZ
 
Mesa Redonda II, Placencia, Belize
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
El Pilar developed as a Contiguous Reserve
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amigos de El Pilar endorses draft management plan
BZ/GT
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isidro Teck grant to learn consolidation techniques with Miguel Orrego
 
 
Development of joint proposals with HfP
 
BZ
Xikna Excavation of the tunnel continues
 
 
BZ/GT
 
PROARCA/CAPAS. Institutional Framework for El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP works with BRASS at Fiesta El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Draft management plan established, endorsed by AdEP
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
STAR (Somos Tambien Adolecentes Responsables) formed with the developments at El Pilar and AdEP
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Ford Foundation supports the Institutionalization of the El Pilar Program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP Donates curtains to the BTF Catholic Church
BZ
 
Informal alliance with Canan K'aax in Guatemala
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP sponsors essay competition: "What is El Pilar and why is it important to my community and me?"
 
 
GT
Initial mapping of El Pilar Poniente sections
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Formation of AdEP group in Melchor, Guatemala
GT
Establish Collaborative Agreement w/CONAP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monumento Cultural El Pilar is certified in Guatemala
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP promotion of Be Pukte in San Ignacio at Bullet Tree Falls businesses
BZ
 
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP BZ/GU work together on PROARCA proposal.
BZ
 
University of Florida assessment of EP in Final Report
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 4,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
U Florida submits Final Report community participation facilitation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ford Foundation funds for community assessment and institutional strengthening
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP conducts survey on community perception of El Pilar
 
 
British High commission funds construction of 4 comfort stations and a gallery structure at El Pilar with Raleigh International, AdEP with the BRASS/EP crew
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Work on the Masewal Forest Garden Trail begins with help from Raleigh International
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 14,000 USD
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
1999
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continued excavation and presentation of Tzunu'un to confirm the method of access from the plaza to Str 1, and clarify construction chronology
 
 
HfP alliance with Canan K'aax in Guatemala to give leadership to AdEP in BZ and GT
BZ
 
HfP alliance w/ Canan K'aax, an NGO in Guatemala, to to buid cross-border strategy
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The El Pilar mapping project focuses on survey coordination and development in order to verify the El Pilar site grid and transform the local grid into the UTM (Universal Transverse Macerator) so that El Pilar data can be incorporated into the larger GIS system
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS, Canan K'aax, and HfP implement PROARCA/CAPAS' proposal "A Trans-boundary initiative for Cooperative (joint) Management and community-based Ecotourism and Sustainable Agriculture Practices
BZ/GT
 
 
BRASS, Canan K'aax, and HfP implement PROARCA/CAPAS trans-boundary initiative for resource management and development
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP Belize / Guatemala agreement of cooperation for the conservation development of El Pilar
BZ/GT
 
"Planificacion para el Manejo y Operacion del Sitio El Pilar" elaborated by Canan K'aax
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continue Collaborative Agreement w/CONAP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management/small enterprise training for AdEP by HfP
BZ
 
Formation of the PATEC technical committee El Pilar to review and finalize the management plan for EPAR
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
Masewal Forest Garden Trail Inauguration w/ Raleigh & AdEP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
Mesoamerican Biological Corridors Project to discuss and prepare strategies that will ensure the foundation of community structures leading to co-management of EPAR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction of the Café Be Pukte begins in Bullet Tree Falls with support from the Canada Fund
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP collaboration in the Forest Garden at El Pilar w/ BRASS/EL Pilar
 
 
HfP - "The El Pilar Blue Print: Creating Livelihood at the Nexus of Culture and Nature" with Ford Foundation funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
The British High commission funds the construction at El Pilar to be built with the help of Raleigh International volunteers and the Amigos de El Pilar with BRASS/EP management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Work on the Forest Garden continues with the collaboration of AdEP and the caretakers. Growth and development is monitored. Connection with Herbierto Cocom's Masewal Forest Garden Trail creates new link to traditional farming methods
 
 
 
 
Opening of the Tzunu’un Maya house at El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
Selva Maya Coalition meeting
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mesoamerican Biological Corridors to discuss / prepare strategies to ensure the foundation of co-management of EPAR
BZ
 
PROARCA/CAPAS. Trans-border Management and Institutional Framework
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government and NGOs in Belize and Guatemala met at Yaxha for the "Dia del Sombrero Verde" for cooperation in the management of EP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mobile Workshops ("Talleres") to six major archaeological destinations in the Mundo Maya in 1999-2000 to familiarize AdEP with sites that involve adjacent communities in management activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
The British High commission funds the construction of four comfort stations and a gallery structure at El Pilar to be built with the help of Raleigh International volunteers and Amigos de El Pilar with the BRASS/EP crew
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strengthening of bonds between AdEPs and other community groups
BZ/GT
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP members from Belize and Guatemala attend one-week training in Agro-forestry, organic farming in Altertec, Guatemala
BZ/GT
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 4,000 USD
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000 USD
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amigos de El Pilar, Melchor is registered and launched as an official "Sociedad Civil"/ NGO in Guatemala
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 16,000 USD
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
2000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Full bi-national community organization and sponsorship of Fiesta El Pilar in April 30, 2000, drawing over 1,500 visitors to El Pilar.
BZ/GT
 
Rolex Award for Enterprise – Cultural Heritage recognition
BZ/GT
Rolex Award for Enterprise – Cultural Heritage recognition to honor A. Ford
 
 
 
for El Pilar vision
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sacred Heart Junior College and Belize College of Agriculture add EPAR related activities to curriculum with PCT funds
 
 
Joint organization of Fiesta El Pilar by AdEP Belize and Guatemala
BZ/GT
Integration and assessment of the database for El Pilar and Belize River Area documentation
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At Mesa Redonda III, the Resolution Pajaro Serpiente is agreed upon which establishes the El Pilar Consultative Council (CoCEP) to advance the goals and objectives of the Mesa Redonda
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
Monument conservation assessment for core area of El Pilar for future planning
 
 
Grand opening of Café Be Pukte in Bullet Tree Falls
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publication of El Pilar postcard and poster promoting El Pilar
BZ/GT
Compilation of the UCSB Maya Forest GIS
 
 
Ford Foundation to HfP project, "The El Pilar Blue Print" to establish community participation/eco-archaeological tourism development
 
 
Distribution of the 2 CD set: UCSB Maya Forest GIS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
PACT funds for conservation education
BZ
Tunnel completion 45 in Xikna
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key actors initiate the strategic planning process for co-management at Jaguar Creek, May 5-6
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key actors initiate the strategic planning process for co-management at Jaguar Creek, May 5-6
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAPAS Grants "The Institutionalization of El Pilar: Building Bridges in the Private Sector"
BZ/GT
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 5,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAPAS Grants "Regional Community Action and the El Pilar Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna"
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GT
Continue Collaborative Agreement w/CONAP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 20,000 USD
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
RESEARCH
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
2001
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiesta El Pilar 2001 attracts over 2,500 visitors, and includes Reina El Pilar Chikin and Lakin
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CoCEP (Consultative Council El Pilar) formed to jointly coordinate management of EPAR
BZ/GT
Excavations are aimed at Plaza Jobo, and attention is given to Plaza Copal to determine the state of the tunnel entrance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar donates computer equipment to the computer center of Sacred Heart JC.
BZ
 
Fiesta El Pilar 2001 attracts over 2,500 visitors, impacts exceed carry capacity of site
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROARCA project proposal to fund strategies mandated by Mesa Redonda III and the Resolution Pajaro Serpiente
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Estudio de Capacidad de Cargo" is compiled by investigators from Sacred Heart, HfP, AdEP and Canan K'aax to approximate the carrying capacity of El Pilar
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Infrastructure is strengthened, including repair of equipment, trail repair, replacement of trail signs, and landscape development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Help for Progress collaborates with AdEP on the development of a local bibliography on the forest-garden
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Tzunu'un Maya Forest Trail Guide is published for distribution with proceeds to go to AdEP
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Retrieving Old Traditions" Agro-Forestry meeting is held in BTF on Dec. 28, 2001 with Alfonso Tzul from U. Kuxtal Masewal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Estudio de Capacidad de Cargo" is compiled by investigators from Sacred Heart, HfP, AdEP and Canan K'aax to approximate the carrying capacity of El Pilar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Association of Communities in Forested Areas conducts a community survey of farming systems
BZ
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Household survey is carried out by the Faculty of Resources, University of Belize to collect data on local forest gardens and lad use
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Establishment of a nursery at EPAR and forest rehabilitation at plazas and trails
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aug 25th, Sep 14, Nov 10th Farm exchange visits from Belize and Guatemala
 
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Maintenance: 5,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forest rehabilitation efforts at Masewal Forest Garden and Be Pukte
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BZ
 
BRASS/El Pilar Caretaking: 12,000 USD
 
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP/Guatemala initiates actions to relocate two families squatting in the reserve
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Both AdEP groups sign the Declaration El Pilar International Community Participation formally committing to work together for the protection and co-management of El Pilar
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar Village Employment: 22,000 USD
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH
 
 
2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRASS/El Pilar field season focuses on strengthening collaboration with AdEP and wider community
 
Fiesta El Pilar is held Bullet Tree Falls April 27th and 28th, organized by AdEP Chikin and Lakin
 
 
Trails of El Pilar trail guide is published presented at Fiesta El Pilar 2002
BZ
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AdEP participates and hosts FLASCO community self-management workshops in Bullet Tree Falls
 
 
Illegal logging carried out El Pilar reserves in Belize and Guatemala
BZ/GT
BRASS/El Pilar research collaboration with Grinell College students and professors at El Pilar
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HfP Oral History Project with Sacred Heart JC
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
BZ/GT
Internship for Belizean students
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Two day meeting at Yaxha May 7-8 attended by research managers, scientists, NGO's government officials and community members to develop interest in a Maya Forest node of the Resilience Alliance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fieast El Pilar in BTF
 
 
BZ/GT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Resilience Alliance Maya Forest Node Presentation
 
 
Presentation of 10 years of Achievements at El Pilar
 
BZ
 
BZ/GT
Yaxha Peten Guatemala
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cayo Tour Guide Workshop May 18th: The El Pilar Vision
BZ
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presentation of 10 years of Achievements at El Pilar
 
BZ