An agreement to clean rivers in the Taxisco Santa Rosa area was signed by the coastal Xinka communities of the Pacific and Guatecaña, with scientific guidance from the Private Institute for Climate Change Research (ICC) and technical support from Comundich, an advisor to the community boards. The initiative will focus on the tributaries of the lower Paso Hondo River basin, which are essential for local fishing activities.

Sugar Mills and Coastal Xinka Communities Join Forces to Clean Rivers

This partnership involves the active participation of the Magdalena, Santa Ana, and San Diego sugarcane mills, along with the scientific expertise of the ICC and the technical assistance of Comundich.

The collaboration aims to coordinate the efforts of all involved parties to clean water bodies (such as river branches) in the lower Paso Hondo River basin for three months. This is a crucial initiative for the region’s residents, as it is a key area for community fishing.

The joint effort addresses the need to restore the connectivity of the river branches and other priority tributaries that link the rivers and wetlands with the Chiquimulilla Canal. This will ensure water circulation and contribute to the sustainability of local ecosystems and livelihoods, such as fishing.

Working closely with communities to promote sustainable development is part of our commitment as the Sugar Cane Agroindustry. This effort shows that by joining forces, we can achieve great things for both community development and our agroindustry.

This agreement is part of a broader dialogue platform to tackle issues of mutual interest, such as biodiversity conservation, riverbank and mangrove forest protection, integrated water management, and training on topics like Climate Change and environmental and forestry management, among others.

This partnership was built on principles of dialogue, honesty, transparency, and respect. We invite other productive sectors in the Paso Hondo River basin to join and be part of this great alliance.

“It’s a commitment from the Sugar Cane Agroindustry to sustainability, with a responsible use of natural resources and ensuring their conservation, as they are vital for the communities,” said Otto Fuentes, Environmental Management Manager at the Guatemalan Sugar Producers Association -Asazgua-, after signing the agreement.