Themes for Research and Development at El Pilar

The integrated relationship between the natural and cultural resources of the Maya forest is etched in ancient Maya settlement patterns and well docu mented at El Pilar. Our current knowledge of the Maya forest comes from diverse yet associated disciplines. These cross-cut the research and development arenas and create a nexus for interdisciplinary enterprise and collaboration. Areas with the greatest potential include:

Today, the ancient Maya center of El Pilar stretches over the political boundary of Belize and Guatemala, and a protected core area for the site is now in the process of legislation. In addition, collaborative efforts be tween the El Pilar Program in Belize and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) introduce a new conservation standard for El Pilar. Endeavoring to build on the wealth of archaeological experience in Mexico and Guatemala, combined with the growing regional ecotourism agenda of Mundo Maya, Belize has spearheaded the move to bring El Pilar under governmental protection as a new tour destination. This is being followed by Guatemala. The goal of the El Pilar Project is to build a consensus strategy for the site that has ramifications for the Maya area as a whole.
 
 

El Pilar provides the opportunity for professionals from distinct backgrounds to create an unique way of perceiving conservation, one that integrates the natural with cultural aspects of research and development. Collaboration among participants from the USA, Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala will develop basic standards that spotlight the ancient Maya center of El Pilar in the context of the contemporary Maya forest. Drawing on insights of investigation, interpretation, conservation, and presentation, this workshop will focus on the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna Belize-Guatemala to inspire the revival of El Pilar as a monument to the past and a testament for the future.
 
 

Working towards a consensus that takes the unique vision of the El Pilar Program into a clear resolution, the workshop goal is to craft an agreement in the form of a concrete document that anchors the agendas for El Pilar. The result will provide the theoretical, technical, structural and institutional basis for charting the research and development program for the whole of El Pilar. The conservation model for El Pilar will create a site designed to be coordinated through participating non-government organizations (NGOs). The site will be a novel ecotourist destination that features ancient community life of the Maya and provides adjacent villagers with sustainable alternatives and opportunities that conserve cultural and natural resources of our world heritage.
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