Center for Rural Development Education and Climate Change Adaptation

Strengthening food security and community autonomy through agroecological education and biodiversity conservation.

Context

The Challenge

The Guatemalan Highlands and the western volcanic chain are territories rich in culture and biodiversity, but today they face major challenges. Rural poverty, malnutrition, the loss of biodiversity and natural resources, and climate change put the well-being of families, communities, and nature at risk. In response to this reality, we work alongside communities to restore native species, strengthen agroecology, and promote resilient landscapes.

0%

of the population lives in poverty.

0%

of the population lives in extreme poverty.

0%

of children suffer from chronic malnutrition.

What is CEDRACC?

CEDRACC is a community field school and a biodiversity rescue center, nationally recognized as a pioneer in the conservation and propagation of native forest and agricultural species. Here, learning is combined with action: families and communities learn by doing, experimenting, and sharing ancestral and scientific knowledge, strengthening territorial resilience and adaptation to climate change.

How we do it

1. Restoring Biodiversity

Restoring Biodiversity

Conservation for life and climate resilience

At CEDRACC, the forest and agricultural nursery is at the heart of our efforts to restore biodiversity and address poverty and malnutrition.

We are national leaders in the conservation and propagation of native species with high ecological, nutritional, and cultural value—many of which are endangered.

Here, we produce trees for community reforestation and ecosystem restoration, as well as agricultural plants to diversify family gardens and strengthen food security and food sovereignty for rural families living in poverty.

Metrics:

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Native tree species produced

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Trees plantes

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Families with access to nutritious food

2. Field School

Field School

Education as the foundation for change

At CEDRACC, learning is hands-on. We develop learning modules where families, youth, and community leaders learn by doing—planting, caring for the land, and experimenting with new ways to produce and conserve, and then replicating these practices in their homes, communities, and landscapes.

These modules are more than demonstration plots

they are living classrooms where science and ancestral knowledge come together. Here, participants can experiment, observe results, and put into practice solutions that address climate change and strengthen community resilience.

Metrics:

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Learning modules

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People trained each year

Explore All Learning Modules

3. Bridging Science and Ancestral Knowledge

Science and Ancestral Wisdom

Knowledge that transforms communities

At CEDRACC, we believe sustainability is born from the meeting of ancestral wisdom and scientific knowledge. For this reason, we promote applied and participatory research processes that allow us to better understand biodiversity, ecosystems, climate, soil fertility, and the resilience of native species in the face of climate change.

We recognize and value local knowledge passed down through generations, such as milpa management, the use of medicinal plants, native seed conservation, and community-based practices for caring for forests and water. Far from remaining in the past, this knowledge is the foundation for designing solutions that are territorially adapted and culturally relevant.

Courses and Workshops

Would you like to schedule an interactive workshop or course?

Create your own complete training package with hands-on modules, accommodation, and meals included.

Learning Modules

Each CEDRACC module is a hands-on space where we plant real solutions together with communities.

Native Tree Production and Reforestation Module

In this module, you will learn how to produce native species seedlings in a nursery and carry out community-based reforestation to restore forests and ecosystems. You will learn planting, maintenance, and tree care techniques that help protect soils, conserve water sources, and increase local biodiversity.

Beekeeping Module

In this module, you will learn how to raise and manage bees sustainably to produce honey and other products. You will see how beekeeping can improve household income, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen local ecosystems.

Mushroom Production Module

In this module, you will learn how to cultivate mushrooms as a nutritious and profitable alternative. You will discover production and management techniques that generate healthy food and create new economic opportunities.

Agroecological Garden and Vegetative Propagation Module

In this module, you will learn how to design and manage diversified agroecological gardens that integrate vegetables, medicinal plants, and native species, applying practices such as crop rotation, biological pest control, and soil care.

Milpa System Module

In this module, you will learn how to grow corn, beans, and squash together, following an ancestral system that improves nutrition, cares for the soil, and keeps an essential cultural tradition of the region alive.

Integrated Fire Management Module

In this module, you will learn how to prevent and control forest fires through safe and sustainable community-based practices. You will learn how to protect forests and reduce environmental risks in your territory.

Weather Station / Rain Gauge Module

In this module, you will learn how to record and analyze real-time climate data to make better agricultural decisions, plan production, and manage climate risks in your community.

Backyard Poultry Module

In this module, you will learn how to sustainably manage backyard poultry to obtain eggs, meat, and organic fertilizer. This improves food security and can generate additional income for your family.

Organic Fertilizers and Soil Amendments Module

In this module, you will learn how to produce organic fertilizers, bioles, and bioferments that regenerate soils and improve agricultural productivity, reducing the use of polluting agrochemicals.

Seed Bank Module

In this module, you will learn how to conserve, classify, and reproduce native and heirloom seeds to strengthen food sovereignty and ensure crop resilience in the face of climate change.

CEDRACC in action

Our Team

Meet the Biodiversity Promoters

At CEDRACC, learning is hands-on. We develop learning modules where families, youth, and community leaders learn by doing—planting, caring for the land, and experimenting with new ways to produce and conserve, then replicating these practices in their homes, communities, and landscapes.

Henrry Ruiz (Coordinador de CEDRACC)

Elmer David Ixcol Ixcol

Ubaldo Chumil Vicente

Tepeu Zumanche Zavala Yac

Marcos Ottoniel Velásquez Sulugüí

Amarú Conaché Zavala López

Manuel Julajú Lejá

Hilario Santos Samines

Impact Story

Angélica and Cornelio Show How Water Brings Hope

In San Juan La Laguna, Angélica and Cornelio have transformed their lives and their land thanks to a rainwater harvesting system that allows them to plant and care for their crops, even during the dry season.

Read the full story

Explore All Our Stories

Collaboration between Mosan and Vivamos Mejor

July 2, 2025

Strengthening Resilience in Reforestation: The Collaboration between Mosan and Vivamos Mejor Since 2020, Mosan and Vivamos Mejor have built a partnership grounded in shared […]

Ways to Support the Sustainability of CEDRACC

Donations

Your contribution enables us to continue restoring biodiversity, strengthening agroecological education, and promoting food security across communities.

Donate

Purchase Our Organic Products

With every purchase of plants, honey, mushrooms, vegetables, organic fertilizer, and coffee, you directly support biodiversity conservation, agroecological education, and community self-reliance.

View products

Why CEDRACC

What Makes Us Unique?

Guatemala’s most diverse nursery of native species

Production and training: Bridging modern science with ancestral wisdom

Chemical-free rescue and propagation of native biodiversity

A wide range of practical training tailored for families and communities

Together we can make the change

0

Native tree species produced

0

Families with access to nutritious food

0

People trained each year

0

Learning modules

0

Trees planted

Why Work With Vivamos Mejor

Proven Impact Since 1989

We have worked alongside communities in Sololá since 1989. Our team has a deep understanding of the local context, allowing us to design realistic, culturally relevant, and sustainable solutions.

Transparent Management and Strong Financial Track Record

We follow responsible administrative and financial practices aligned with international standards, including International Standards on Auditing (ISA).

Experience- and Evidence-Based Approach

We design our programs based on in-depth knowledge of the territory and rigorous technical and scientific analysis.

Our other programs and departments

Environmental Program

Resilient Landscapes and Biodiversity

Social Program

Comprehensive Early Childhood Development

DAT

Territorial Analysis Department

Experience something truly unique in the field

See our work up close, enjoy a guided tour of CEDRACC, and stay in our welcoming rustic cabins.

Want to know more

Fill out the form below and we will get in touch.

Center for Rural Development Education and Climate Change Adaptation

Context

The Challenge

0%

0%

0%

What is CEDRACC?

How we do it

1. Restoring Biodiversity

2. Field School

0

0

3. Bridging Science and Ancestral Knowledge

Courses and Workshops

Would you like to schedule an interactive workshop or course?

Request a Workshop

Learning Modules

Native Tree Production and Reforestation Module

Beekeeping Module

Mushroom Production Module

Agroecological Garden and Vegetative Propagation Module

Milpa System Module

Integrated Fire Management Module

Weather Station / Rain Gauge Module

Backyard Poultry Module

Organic Fertilizers and Soil Amendments Module

Seed Bank Module

CEDRACC in action

Our Team

Meet the Biodiversity Promoters

Henrry Ruiz (Coordinador de CEDRACC)

Elmer David Ixcol Ixcol

Ubaldo Chumil Vicente

Tepeu Zumanche Zavala Yac

Marcos Ottoniel Velásquez Sulugüí

Amarú Conaché Zavala López

Manuel Julajú Lejá

Hilario Santos Samines

Impact Story

Angélica and Cornelio Show How Water Brings Hope

Explore All Our Stories

Ways to Support the Sustainability of CEDRACC

Donations

Purchase Our Organic Products

Why CEDRACC

What Makes Us Unique?

Guatemala’s most diverse nursery of native species

Production and training: Bridging modern science with ancestral wisdom

Chemical-free rescue and propagation of native biodiversity

A wide range of practical training tailored for families and communities

Together we can make the change

0

0

0

0

0

Why Work With Vivamos Mejor

Proven Impact Since 1989

Transparent Management and Strong Financial Track Record

Experience- and Evidence-Based Approach

Our other programs and departments

Resilient Landscapes and Biodiversity

Comprehensive Early Childhood Development

Territorial Analysis Department

Experience something truly unique in the field

Book a Visit

Want to know more

Calle Los Salpores 0-83 zona 3 Barrio Jucanyá, Panajachel Sololá, Guatemala 07010