Abstract
Archaeological projects are in a special position to create unique partnerships, with shared goals and intentions, to development Maya anthropological archaeology. This narrative presents an education outreach project in archaeology invigorated with local collaboration. When priorities of active archaeological projects formally include resident community participation, new horizons and accomplishments are achieved. Local and international interests in heritage and cultural traditions create the platform for interactive relationships and identification of common ground. Together, our experience recognizes four educational pillars that revolve around ancient Maya heritage and the fundamental Maya forest garden. Centered on the protected area of the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna, El Pilar and forest gardens are celebrated at the urban Cayo Welcome Center, practiced at the active outfield Chak Ha Col forest garden, and taught at the rural Känan K’aax School Garden. As our experience demonstrates, community partnerships require specific elements of acknowledgment including a valued tangible heritage, a formal information outlet, an education link, and an honored cultural tradition. Together, these provide fertile ground for cultivating collaborations in the Maya region and across the world.
Highlights
Education Partnership Opportunities for Maya ArchaeologyDeveloping a roadmap for archaeologists and community members to become partners is complex yet very worthwhile
The exceptional qualities of the Maya forest garden tradition show the success of an indigenous annual cropping strategy with the well-developed management of perennials, all linked to the value of the commons [30,31,32]
Far from environmental destroyers, Maya farmers are spiritual caretakers of the Maya forest who recognize the interrelated values of plants, animals, and habitat. These local practitioners are heroes who use strategies that shade the landscape, cycle the land cover, foster biodiversity, and feed people. These heroes need to be celebrated by promoting apprenticeships in school gardens, which highlight local traditions and bring forest gardens to all homes, rural and urban, in the Maya forest and the world
Summary
Developing a roadmap for archaeologists and community members to become partners is complex yet very worthwhile. Our broader vision includes an education network that illustrates the Belize national motto Sub to local activists and forest gardeners to explore past solutions to contemporary challenges. Our broader vision includes an education network that illustrates the Belize national motto Sub Umbra Floreo—Latin for “Under the Shade We Flourish.” These partnerships provide the foundation for conservation and development strategies that promote a sustainable future. We see that the greatest threat to the Maya forest today, and its flora and fauna, is the loss of traditional farmers and their intimate ecological knowledge, which carries greater relevance as we move forward in today’s climate To address this alarming trend, we have elected to invest in conservation and development practices that support the forest and its people. Reconnecting and reawakening the people of Belize to their environmental heritage is our primary aim
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