Tikal National Park
Country
Guatemala
Inscribed in
1979
Criteria
(i)
(iii)
(iv)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Intact ecosystem mosaic and processes
Criterion
(ix)
Located on the southern reaches of the Yucatan Peninsula’s karst plateau, Tikal National Park is one of the core zones of the vast Maya Biosphere Reserve, which in turn is part of the forest region sometimes referred to as Maya Forest, which extends into neighboring Belize and Mexico. The Maya Forest is one of Mesoamerica’s largest and most important nature conservation gems, while also boasting an exceptional cultural heritage. The property hosts a very rich diversity of flora and fauna as a result of the ongoing evolution of species and ecological communities following the pre-Colombian collapse of the Mayan civilisation. The ongoing biological and ecological processes are conserved by the large scale of the Maya Forest, and particularly its many protected areas (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
High diversity of endangered fauna and flora
Criterion
(x)
Major global biodiversity priority-setting exercises have identified the Petén Region and the Maya Forest as globally significant. Tikal National Park is one of several globally important protected areas in the Maya Forest, along with Calakmul in Mexico, likewise a mixed World Heritage property. More than 2,000 higher plants, including some 200 tree species, have been recorded in the national park, including numerous species of palms, epiphytes, orchids and bromeliads in the lush forests. Many endangered, threatened, vulnerable and/or CITES listed species are found in the property. The more than 100 species of documented mammals include impressive 60 species of bats, five felids – Puma (Puma concolor), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) and the near-treatened Jaguar (Panthera onca) and Margay (Leopardus wiedii); the endangered Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata), river otter (Lontra longicaudis, NT) and the endangered Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii). More than 330 bird species encompass the Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata), Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) and Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus), all near-threatened according to the IUCN Red List. Of the more than 100 reptiles the critically endangered Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) and 38 species of snakes stand out. In addition to 25 known amphibian species, there is a noteworthy freshwater fish fauna and a great diversity of invertebrates. Tikal and the broader Maya Forest are also known for the wild varieties of several important agricultural plants (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Archaeological importance
Tikal National Park is an outstanding example of the art and human genius of the Maya. Its wealth of architectural and artistic expressions also contains important symbolic elements, such as the concept of pyramid-as mountains that define a universe where human beings coexisted with their environment. The Park has unique elements that illustrate the historic, mythical and biographic data of the Tikal dynastic sequence. These exceptional records span over 1,161 years (292 BC to 869 AD) and register the lives of 33 rulers who reigned over a vast territory of the ancient Maya world. The archaeological remains at Tikal National Park reflect the cultural evolution of Mayan society from hunter-gathering to farming, with an elaborate religious, artistic and scientific culture. The most representative remains show different stages and degrees of evolution in terms of architectural development related to religious activities and ceremonies. They also exemplify the political, social and economic organization achieved, as expressed by the urban layout its palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, and residential areas and the wealth of monuments decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Assessment information
The broader landscape is in a process of rapid transformation due to increasing demand for land, pasture and natural resources. Hunting, fishing and collection of non-timber forest products for subsistence and commercial purposes, run the risk of exceeding the natural regeneration capacity. Regular wildfires outside the property jointly with severe weather events pose a high threat to the site and add further complexity. In recent years, tourism has negatively impacted key attributes through direct disturbance, increasing demand for illicit wildlife and plant products, and poorly managed sewage and solid waste.
Recreational Activities
(Tourism impacts)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
While primarily affecting the famous archaeological sites, tourism has locally reached levels of mass tourism, raising concerns about impacts from disturbance, demand for illicit wildlife and plant products, and poorly managed sewage and solid waste (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; Fujisaki, 2002; Parkswatch, 2002; Trópico Verde. n.d.(c)). Even at the time of inscription, the World Heritage Committee (1979) expressed concern about tourism development and its potential impacts on the cultural and natural value of Tikal National Park. Foreign visitors exceeded national visitors from 2012 onward, and there had been an increase since 2015 with a drop due to COVID-19. It is estimated that Tikal had about 300,000 visitors in 2018 and 2019 and around 115,000 in 2021 (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). On the other hand, entrance fees (~USD 4 million in 2018 as cited in Devine, et al. 2021) fund conservation of the site. Recent meetings between the Government of Petén and members of the Association of Maya Heritage Tourist Guides aim to address inappropriate tourism behaviours damaging key attributes and increasing mechanisms for guides to play a more active role in conservation (AGN, 2025).
Identity/social cohesion/ changes in local population and community that result in negative impact
(Effects of longstanding civil war)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
It is important to keep in mind that Guatemala has suffered from one of the longest and bloodiest civil wars in the region, which has deeply affected the societal fabric of the country. A peace agreement was struck only in 1996 after 36 years of war. Today, the Petén region is strongly affected by narcotrafficking and related violence (Elbein, 2016). In the western parts of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, drug trafficking organizations have been driving extensive deforestation to smuggle drugs and launder money, burning large areas of land and pressuring communities to “sell” concession lands, leading to threats and the murder of concessionaire leaders (Elbien, 2016; Devine et al., 2020). Local communities also face major uncertainty, as the government has not yet committed to renewing concession agreements (Renold and Salus, 2020). A failure to act may have devastating consequences, as community forests concessions effectively protect the Reserve’s flora and fauna (Devine et al., 2018).
Fire & Fire Management
(Wildfires)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
According to the Tikal National Park Master Plan, forest fires are considered the greatest threat to the natural heritage conservation targets (Maldonado, 2021). Fires are one natural disturbance factor in the Selva Maya, but the frequency and intensity of fires today is mostly anthropogenic. Fires are intentionally set to stimulate the growth of grass on pastureland, as a hunting and poaching method, and also used in the collection of wild honey (ACOFOP, 2017; Trópico Verde. n.d.(a)). Particularly along the southern boundary of the site settlers use fire to clear land. Other fires are caused by campfires of looters of archaeological sites and during harvesting of non-timber forest products. All these types of anthropogenic fires regularly run out of control. Despite full recognition of the challenge and important efforts to address it, fires remain a permanent threat, the importance of which is likely to increase under the expected scenario of increasing temperature and more frequent weather extremes. Mechanisms are established to operationalize the process of the forest fire prevention and control plan for Tikal National Park.. Mechanisms related to inputs, organizational structures, and the delegation of responsibilities are established according to the 2021 Fire Plan (Maldonado, 2021).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi
(Non-sustainable levels of natural resource extraction)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
The rich and diverse forest resources have traditionally been used by Indigenous peoples and local communities. Extraction of a broad range of non-timber forest products, including game and fish, is a common and much needed element of livelihood systems of Indigenous peoples and local communities throughout the Maya Forest. Regulated legal harvesting of non-timber forest products occurs outside the park boundaries. While local resource use is an integral part of the longstanding human presence in the Petén, extraction is illegal in the property and harvesting levels need to be compatible with the productivity elsewhere (Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, 2003; Parkswatch, 2002). Residents of nearby villages frequently enter the property in an illegal manner for poaching and commercial hunting, posing a serious threat to wildlife within the property (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). Even though there is a Protection and Security Unit, trained and devoted to
security duties along with the Army set at the main gate to the Park, the threat remains latent. This may be the biggest problem for the preservation of natural wildlife and is increasing due to the fact of the loss of natural forest around the Park, mainly in the south side in the Buffer Zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Furthermore, the use restrictions may affect the relationship between local people and park management.
security duties along with the Army set at the main gate to the Park, the threat remains latent. This may be the biggest problem for the preservation of natural wildlife and is increasing due to the fact of the loss of natural forest around the Park, mainly in the south side in the Buffer Zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Furthermore, the use restrictions may affect the relationship between local people and park management.
Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops, Wood & Pulp Plantations, Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding
(Advancing agricultural frontiers throughout the Selva Maya)
Outside site
While the high-profile property provides a comparatively effective level of protection, the advancing agricultural frontier is a main driver of landscape change in the region (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, 2003; Parkswatch, 2002). Thereby, it affects the integrity of the entire region. A report on the entire Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) (CONAP y WCS, 2018) found net forest gain in 2017 for the first time since data collection began in 2000. This was attributed to a program of community forest concessions managing nearly 17% of the MBR's 2.1 million hectares, in a program supported by the US Agency for International development. Forests under community concessions are shown to be more effectively protected against illegal encroachment and fires (Devine et al., 2018). However, recent research has shown that narco-deforestation is now spreading eastward in MBR, taking the form of barbwire fenced cattle ranches, seemingly without cattle, to launder money, build airstrips, and claim territory along drug smuggling routes (Devine et al., 2020). Natural forest continues to be lost around the national park, mainly on the south side, in the buffer zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution, Garbage & Solid Waste
(Household waste)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The household rubbish from hotels, restaurants, dining rooms and the Administration itself are causing a negative and important impact on the environment (State Party of Guatemala, 2023), although a quantification of the threat level on the site's key attributes is not possible at this time.
Climate change is among the overarching potential threats to the national park and its natural values in the longer term. As it is in essence beyond the scope of site management, the best investment in preparedness and adaptation is to not only prevent forest loss and degradation in the property, but to address both at a landscape scale. The increasing road infrastructure in the Selva Maya affects the region by providing entry points for land and resource use. Further road construction or improvements of dirt roads within Tikal National Park would result in severe direct and indirect impacts. However, no recent information is available on this matter as of 2024.
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Road construction)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Additional road infrastructure around the World Heritage site - and even within it - has been repeatedly proposed. As well documented across the entire Selva Maya, road access to remote areas opens the door for a range of illicit activities and the agricultural frontier. This is already a challenge both on the northern and southern edges of the property (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, 2003). The most sensitive proposals for road construction are extensions of paved roads to the north: the paving the 23 kilometers of dirt road from the property’s center to the village of Uaxactun linking a road from nearby Campeche and Quintana Roo to Tikal.
However, no recent information is available on this matter as of 2024.
However, no recent information is available on this matter as of 2024.
Severe Weather Events
(Climate Change)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Forest loss and degradation across large tracts of the trinational Selva Maya increases the vulnerability of the relatively small property to the anticipated impacts of climate change. Severe weather events, such as hurricanes, are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. If so, impacts on the World Heritage site are highly likely (Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, 2003).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The main conflict between the national park and nearby local communities and Indigenous peoples in the surroundings are restrictions on the use of natural resources. While local resource use is an integral part of the longstanding human presence in the Petén, extraction is illegal within the site. However, illegal activities are widespread and result in conflicts (Parkswatch, 2002). The approach of the Maya Biosphere Reserve encompassing the World Heritage site is an attempt to balance conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Community forest concessions outside the site have created jobs and risen people out of poverty, while at the same time contributing to protecting the forest and it resources (Rainforest Alliance, 2019), but the increase of various pressures are threatening the sustainability of this system (Devine et al., 2020; Renold and Salus, 2020). The buffer zone includes several communities with agricultural subsistence patterns, livestock and grazing. This creates a social and economic tension between the communities and conservation authorities (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Legal framework
Tikal National Park has a legal protection status on both nature conservation and archaeological grounds (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). The framework is per se effective, while question marks remain in terms of the configuration of the site and the harmonization of objectives for natural and cultural heritage conservation, respectively.
Governance arrangements
The property is managed by Guatemala’s National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) and the National Institute for History and Anthropology (IDAEH). Tikal Park Administration and the Technical Unit Coordination regularly meet to establish guidelines and directives regarding forestry, the site's ecology and environment, and other aspects related to the management of Tikal National Park, in accordance with the provisions of the Master Plan and the respective 2021 Annual Operating Plan (AOP) (Maldonado, 2021).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The integration of Tikal National Park as one of the core zones of the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve provides a promising platform to integrate the management of the site into the wider landscape. Supported by external projects, the government of Guatemala cooperates with neighboring Belize and Mexico on the conservation and management of the Selva Maya across national borders. While both the biosphere reserve approach and the transboundary efforts are promising, much remains to be done to realize the full potential.
Boundaries
The boundaries of the World Heritage site are identical to the boundaries of Tikal National Park, and were designed to roughly cover what was considered the most important area from an archaeological perspective in the 1950s. The rectangular shape is arbitrary from a nature conservation perspective. While the consequences are partially buffered by other protected areas and management measures in the surroundings, the usefulness of adapting the boundaries - noted by the World Heritage Committee - remains.
Overlapping international designations
Tikal National Park is a core zone of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, covering 21,602 square kilometers, approximately one-fifth of the country’s total land area. Both designations are managed by CONAP and the Biosphere Reserve designation has been important to strengthen relationships with local communities and improve the integration of the World Heritage site in the wider landscape planning frameworks. Furthermore, the Biosphere Reserve overlap has buffered the impact of some threats including natural resource use and fires on the World Heritage site.
Additionally, the Tikal National Park adjoins, and appears to overlaps with as well, the Ramsar designated Parque Nacional Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo (2006) to the east, also managed by CONAP. The level or coordination between management authorities is not clear, however according to the State Party (2023), there is no contact between the authorities of the two designations.
Additionally, the Tikal National Park adjoins, and appears to overlaps with as well, the Ramsar designated Parque Nacional Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo (2006) to the east, also managed by CONAP. The level or coordination between management authorities is not clear, however according to the State Party (2023), there is no contact between the authorities of the two designations.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
As early as 1979, the inscription decision expressed concern about the possible impacts of a tourism development project on the cultural and natural values of the property (World Heritage Committee, 1979). In 1993, the Committee noted "prospects" to expand Tikal, but this has so far not resulted in concrete attempts to do so. Follow-up to the Committee suggestion to promote sub-regional archaeological exchange is unknown and beyond the scope of this assessment. The last State of Conservation report was filed in 1999. As part of the Retrospective Inventory launched in 2004, the Committee asked States Parties to review Statements of OUV and clarify maps. In a phased, regional approach, properties in Latin America and the Caribbean were asked to do so in 2011. Maps were accepted for Tikal in 2021 (World Heritage Committee, 2021) and the retrospective Statement of OUV adopted in 2014 (World Heritage Committee, 2014).
Climate action
Park administration facilities now use solar panels. The aim is to make to all tourist service providers (hotels, restaurants, craftsmen and dining rooms) more sustainable and energy efficient (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). The extent to which climate action is integrate in the management system is unclear. To address fires, a Fire Plan was developed in 2021 and mechanisms established to operationalize the process of forest fire prevention and control plan for Tikal National Park. Mechanisms related to inputs, organizational structures, and the delegation of responsibilities are established according to the 2021 Fire Plan (Maldonado, 2021). Furthermore, there is a work plan for the design and development of forest nurseries in Tikal National Park, according to the master plan related to the meta-natural elements of conservation (Maldonado, 2021).
Management plan and overall management system
Management brings together the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) and the National Institute for History and Anthropology (IDAEH) (González, 2007). Management is coordinated with the surrounding Maya Biosphere Reserve, of which Tikal National Park is one of several core zones (Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas, 2015). Ongoing conflicts and uncontrolled land and resource use in the surrounding area indicate that the integrated biosphere reserve approach is working only partially. Guzmán (2017) noted that "rapidly changing land use has widened the gap between the official zoning scheme for the Reserve as established in the 2001-2006 Master Plan and the reality on the ground, further aggravating conflicts over land and resource use". The most recent reported management plan for the site is for the period 2004-2008 (CONAP and WCS, 2018) and no update has been available since.
Tikal National Park has a Master Plan issued in 2003. Even though is outdated, still provides the general guidelines for its management. The Master Plan has 5 programs, preservation, investigation, monitoring and conservation of natural and cultural resources, public use and coordination with community leaders of the neighbouring settlements. The Administration has scheduled for 3 years in a row to update the Master Plan without success due to the COVID -19 pandemic (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). To achieve the Master Plan's strategic objectives, the corresponding Annual Operating Plan is prepared as a strategic planning tool that establishes the objectives and lines of action to comply with the provisions of the Master Plan. It describes the activities carried out during each year and carried out systematically and permanently as part of its operations (e.g. CONAP, 2021).
Tikal National Park has a Master Plan issued in 2003. Even though is outdated, still provides the general guidelines for its management. The Master Plan has 5 programs, preservation, investigation, monitoring and conservation of natural and cultural resources, public use and coordination with community leaders of the neighbouring settlements. The Administration has scheduled for 3 years in a row to update the Master Plan without success due to the COVID -19 pandemic (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). To achieve the Master Plan's strategic objectives, the corresponding Annual Operating Plan is prepared as a strategic planning tool that establishes the objectives and lines of action to comply with the provisions of the Master Plan. It describes the activities carried out during each year and carried out systematically and permanently as part of its operations (e.g. CONAP, 2021).
Law enforcement
Law enforcement in the past suffered from under-staffing and under-financing, as well as the focus on the central tourist areas. The more remote areas are vulnerable due to lack of law enforcement constraints (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; CONAP, 2003; Parkswatch, 2002). There is a lack of updated information to develop a rating. According to the latest periodic report (State Party of Guatemala, 2023) the Security Unit along with personnel of the national army stationed in the Center of Joint Operations at Zocotzal carry out joint patrols within the area.
Sustainable finance
Finance for management of the site stems from the government budget and revenues from entrance fees partially being re-invested. Project funding complements the overall financing. Entrance fees at Tikal were more than USD 3 million in 2017. In fiscal year 2018, CONAP received a budget of approximately USD 14 million for all its work nationwide. Although the Maya Biosphere Reserve, within which the World Heritage site is located, is undoubtedly one of the most important reserves in the country, CONAP is in charge of managing all of Guatemala's protected areas, which represent 32% of the country's land area (CONAP and WCS, 2018). Tikal draws over 250,000 visitors each year and generated nearly US$4 million in park entrance fees alone in 2018 (Devine et al., 2021 op cit. Gonzales, 2019). Gate fees have been increasing due to a change in the collection system, which had previously been only at the gate. Such fees pay 90% of administrative costs, but all project costs come from foundation grants and NGO support (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Staff capacity, training and development
Besides occasional opportunities for staff training in the framework of cooperation projects, there is no information available on a long-term training program. The management plan notes "limited staffing" due to resource constraints, which hints at challenges (Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas, 2015). Though precise data are not available, in 2017 the majority of the circa 200 staff of the Institute of Anthropology and History (IDEAH) were located at Tikal and Yaxhá (CONAP y WCS, 2018). In the past two years, CONANP trained rangers in Tikal National Park to monitor and document wildlife health events using a Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) as part of a global program of the Wildlife Conservation Society involving more than fifty protected areas worldwide (Montecino-Latorre et al., 2024). The technical unit is currently incomplete with the lack of professional in areas related to biology, public use and community relations. There is also a need of an expert in conservation of materials (ceramic and lithics) (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
The park also has a Technical Unit working on fire prevention, which has been working with local communities and consists of training 110 park workers in forest firefighting crews to engage in monitoring and extinguishing activities in the event of any forest fires in Tikal's forests. Emphasis is also placed on hiring 70 people for two months a year to be involved in forest fire plan activities. Activities begin in March and end in May or June (Maldonado, 2021).
The park also has a Technical Unit working on fire prevention, which has been working with local communities and consists of training 110 park workers in forest firefighting crews to engage in monitoring and extinguishing activities in the event of any forest fires in Tikal's forests. Emphasis is also placed on hiring 70 people for two months a year to be involved in forest fire plan activities. Activities begin in March and end in May or June (Maldonado, 2021).
Education and interpretation programmes
Information about systematic efforts is limited. The management plan identifies the need to strengthen awareness-raising, education and interpretation on various occasions as a high priority, including as regards nearby communities in the context of looting of archaeological heritage (Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas, 2015). The same source notes "limited realization of the educational potential" in a tourism context. Since 2017 management of the property has been without professional education staff, and a Visitor Management and Facilities Plan has yet to be realised (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Tourism and visitation management
Tikal National Park is the most visited Park in Guatemala. Tourism has significantly increased after decades of civil war, with major potential for the local economy, conservation financing and visitor education. At the same time, there are important risks of pressure from mass tourism for both the cultural and natural heritage of the site. Tourism has reached a level of mass tourism during seasonal peaks such as Easter week. Tikal National Park lacks a Management and Visitor Management Plan (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). Since 2019 the Administration of the Tikal National Park (with own budget funds) has been scheduled the hiring of a consulting firm to develop the Visitors Management and Touristic Facilities Plan, however this remains outstanding to date. The current Master Plan (2004-2008) includes a programme about the Tourist services and facilities but is outdated.
Much remains to be done to maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its impacts. Since the inscription, there have been concerns about inappropriate tourism development.
Three ecological trails are being planned for management. As part of the work established by the Technical Unit, the trails have already been defined within the park and are as follows: "Caoba de Felipe," "Beniljé," and "Mystery of Maya Life." The work carried out consists of cleaning and maintaining them through clearing, logging, and removing fallen trees that were blocking the trails. The "Caoba de Felipe" trail is 6 linear kilometers long, the Beniljé trail is 1.5 kilometers long, and the "Mystery of Maya Life" trail is 4 kilometers long. As part of the activities, the maintenance, cleaning, and repair of signs specifying the vegetation components at the species level within the forest ecosystems along the trails is also being carried out. Trail management is carried out in the months of January, July and November (Maldonado, 2021).
Much remains to be done to maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its impacts. Since the inscription, there have been concerns about inappropriate tourism development.
Three ecological trails are being planned for management. As part of the work established by the Technical Unit, the trails have already been defined within the park and are as follows: "Caoba de Felipe," "Beniljé," and "Mystery of Maya Life." The work carried out consists of cleaning and maintaining them through clearing, logging, and removing fallen trees that were blocking the trails. The "Caoba de Felipe" trail is 6 linear kilometers long, the Beniljé trail is 1.5 kilometers long, and the "Mystery of Maya Life" trail is 4 kilometers long. As part of the activities, the maintenance, cleaning, and repair of signs specifying the vegetation components at the species level within the forest ecosystems along the trails is also being carried out. Trail management is carried out in the months of January, July and November (Maldonado, 2021).
Sustainable use
Key sources of information indicate that the use of wildlife and non-timber forest products is neither effectively controlled nor sustainable (Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas, 2015; UNEP-WCMC, 2011; Parkswatch, 2002). Regulated legal harvesting of non-timber forest products occurs outside the property boundaries, but within the property, resource extraction is prohibited. However, illegal activities are common and unlawful users caught by park staff are reported to have set forest fires in protest against the National Park restrictions (Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, 2003; Parkswatch, 2002; State Party of Guatemala, 2023). The residents of the nearby villages regularly enter into the area in an illegal manner, for poaching and commercial hunting (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). The population increase in rural areas has put further pressure on natural resources at the same time as the agricultural frontier has advanced, especially on the southern boundary of the site. The increasing pressure translates into higher risks of illegal resource use, in addition to affecting the surrounding landscape. The Tikal National Park Administration and the Technical Unit Coordination meet regularly to establish guidelines and directives regarding forestry, ecology, and the site's environment, as well as other aspects related to the management of Tikal National Park, in accordance with the provisions of the Master Plan and the respective 2021 AOP (Maldonado, 2021). However, the extent to which actions have effectively addressed illegal resource use is unclear.
Monitoring
Over the decades, a wealth of information has been generated through numerous research projects dedicated to various aspects of both the cultural and the natural heritage. Many studies fed into the elaboration of the 2003 Master Plan for the National Park (CONAP, 2003). There is some concern that research on the natural heritage plays a secondary role compared to archaeological studies (Parkswatch, 2002).
Research
Over the decades, a wealth of information has been generated through numerous research projects dedicated to various aspects of both the cultural and the natural heritage. Many studies fed into the elaboration of the 2003 Master Plan for the National Park (CONAP, 2003). There is some concern that research on the natural heritage plays a secondary role compared to archaeological studies (Parkswatch, 2002).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The property adjoins the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park to the east and the Biotope San Miguel La Palotada Zotz to the west, becoming an important block of contiguous protected areas of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. These conjoined protected areas work as a barrier against the advance of the agricultural frontier to the south, as part of the Buffer Zone for the Maya Biosphere Reserve (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). However indications that illegal activities within park boundaries are continuing indicate further efforts are needed to enhance management, law enforcement and awareness raising.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
An annual Forest Fire Prevention Plan has been implemented since 1998 and improved in succeeding years. It is used as an example of good practice by other organizations and instances in Peten. It is implemented with the Security Unit and a group of 70 temporary workers, hired for this specific purpose. The plan has been adapted to the current conditions in the area specially with the policy of regional, local authorities and community leaders. The plan includes maintenance and monitoring of 144 linear km along the external border or "brecha.” According to authorities, the plan has proven to be effective, with limited and reduced impact of forest fires on the ecosystem and archaeological remains inside the Park (State Party of Guatemala, 2023). Nevertheless, a lack of human resources and staff trained in key areas like biology limit the current management effectiveness overall.
The highly visited areas of the relatively small World Heritage site have an overall good level of management and protection even though the well-documented impacts of mass tourism to the archaeological sites remain to be addressed comprehensively. The more remote areas of the site, however, are more vulnerable to risks without adequate management responses. In the longer run, the most important challenge will be the direct and indirect effects of the land transformation of the broader Maya Forest region. The biosphere reserve model is an appropriate umbrella to address conservation and local development in an integrated fashion, but much remains to be done to translate the good intentions into practice. There is a need to update the management plan and master plan to effectively address both new and remaining pressures and threats, as well as implementing a systematic monitoring programme to assess the impact of drivers of landscape change in the region, along with increased technical staff capacity.
Good practice examples
An annual Forest Fire Prevention Plan has been implemented since 1998 and improved in succeeding years. It is used as an example of good practice by other organizations in Petén. It is implemented with the Security Unit and a group of 70 temporary workers, hired for this specific purpose. The plan has been adapted to the current conditions in the area specially with the policy of regional, local authorities and community leaders. The plan includes maintenance and monitoring of 144 linear km along the external border or "brecha", since it adjoins the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park to the east and the Biotope San Miguel La Palotada Zotz to the west (State Party of Guatemala, 2023).
Intact ecosystem mosaic and processes
Low Concern
Trend
Improving
In light of the projected impacts of climate change, increasing demographic pressure in the surroundings of the national park and consequently expected increases in poaching, illegal extraction, deforestation, farmland encroachment and fires, strong efforts are needed for the management of the property itself. Some progress has been made in this regard, including in fire prevention and restoration. Tikal National Park has a forest fire prevention and control plan with mechanisms related to inputs, organizational structures, and the delegation of responsibilities established according to the 2021 Fire Plan. Financial and human resources are directed towards effectively preventing and controlling fires (Maldonado, 2021).
A community-led conservation programme in Guatemala has halted and started to reverse two decades of deforestation in the Maya Biosphere Reserve area. Regeneration of the forest means it was 25 square kilometres larger in 2020 than in 2019 and grew another 3.5 square kilometres in 2021 (Taylor, 2022). In Tikal National Park there are targeted efforts of reforestation along with the development of a forest nursery (Maldonado, 2021).
A community-led conservation programme in Guatemala has halted and started to reverse two decades of deforestation in the Maya Biosphere Reserve area. Regeneration of the forest means it was 25 square kilometres larger in 2020 than in 2019 and grew another 3.5 square kilometres in 2021 (Taylor, 2022). In Tikal National Park there are targeted efforts of reforestation along with the development of a forest nursery (Maldonado, 2021).
High diversity of endangered fauna and flora
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
Many of the protected areas of the Guatemalan Petén and the vast trinational Maya Forest are subject to multiple and severe threats, including the ever-advancing agricultural frontier, infrastructure development, climate change, poaching and illegal trade in species, looting and intentional and accidental fires. While Tikal National Park is not isolated from these broader trends, its national significance as a major archaeological site and the international designations make it less vulnerable to some of the threats, such as land speculation. While detailed data is scarce, the assumption is that the overall situation is in line with the overall deteriorating trend of species conservation in the Maya Forest, while Tikal National Park is one of the more effectively protected areas within the region. Thereby, the species conservation values continue to be comparatively well conserved. Nevertheless, it is clear that the future of far-ranging species with naturally low population densities, such as the large predators puma and jaguar, relies upon the fate of the larger landscape. Whitacre and Burnham (2012) confirm this for example in documenting that a range of sizes of protected areas may play different roles in conserving Neotropical lowland forest raptors.
Because of the international fame of Tikal National Park as an iconic archaeological site and as a cultural World Heritage Monument with a high incidence of tourism activities, important ecological
changes have been detected as low detectability of highly mobile species such as Baird’s Tapir (Tapirella bairdii), White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari), Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) and Jaguar (Panthera onca) (García et al., 2019; McNab et al., 2019). A study by Gaitán et al. (2022) on the Jaguar population in the park, determined that due to the apparent increase in the number of male individuals over surveys, it would be suggested that Tikal National Park is an area with a high male Jaguar home range overlap degree.
Because of the international fame of Tikal National Park as an iconic archaeological site and as a cultural World Heritage Monument with a high incidence of tourism activities, important ecological
changes have been detected as low detectability of highly mobile species such as Baird’s Tapir (Tapirella bairdii), White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari), Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) and Jaguar (Panthera onca) (García et al., 2019; McNab et al., 2019). A study by Gaitán et al. (2022) on the Jaguar population in the park, determined that due to the apparent increase in the number of male individuals over surveys, it would be suggested that Tikal National Park is an area with a high male Jaguar home range overlap degree.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient
The intricately linked ecological and species conservation values of the World Heritage site cannot be separated from the broader Petén and the even larger transboundary Selva Maya region. The natural values of the entire region are under increasing pressure from land transformation, illegal extraction, infrastructure development, forest fires, poaching and illegal trade in species. While in a comparatively privileged position, the site is not immune to such pressure. The pressure affecting the natural values is likely to increase in the future due to the growing population in the immediate vicinity of the site and increasing impact of climate change. However, the species conservation values continue to be comparatively well conserved so far and efforts for fire prevention and control and reforestation are commendable. Nevertheless, it is clear that the future of far-ranging species with naturally low population densities, such as the large predators puma and jaguar, relies upon the fate of the larger landscape.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
The current status and trend of the cultural value of the site has not been assessed.
Additional information
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks,
Traditional agriculture,
Livestock grazing areas
Most local communities and indigenous peoples in the Petén largely and directly depend on natural resources for their livelihood systems. This creates conflicts in the national park, whereas the much larger biosphere reserve is an explicit umbrella for balancing strict conservation and sustainable use.
Sustainable resource use in areas surrounding the property is under pressure from land grabs, land speculation, deforestation, encroaching agricultural frontiers, population increase and intentional and accidental forest fires.
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
Tikal is an internationally established tourism destination of national importance.
Importance for research,
Contribution to education
The property is of major significance for the understanding and demonstration of the ancient Maya civilization. From a natural sciences perspective, it is fascinating to conduct research in an ecosystem, which has been evolving since the still not fully understood catastrophic collapse of a highly sophisticated culture and civilization.
The conservation of the property is intricately linked to the state of the broader Petén and the even larger transboundary Selva Maya region, which are under increasing pressure from large-scale land transformation, including deforestation, farmland encroachment, infrastructure development, and intentional and accidental fires, all alongside increased impacts of climate change.
History and tradition,
Wilderness and iconic features,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes,
Sacred or symbolic plants or animals,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
The cultural heritage of the property is a major reference for the local and national identity. It must not be forgotten that the indigenous descendants of the Maya continue to live in what many today call the Selva Maya. The property is home to many iconic species of cultural and spiritual importance, including in contemporary nature conservation, such as the jaguar.
Cultural and spiritual values are under pressure from mass tourism, as well as large-scale land transformation and illegal activities in surrounding areas affecting many of the culturally significant species.
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation
The forests of the property contribute to all common benefits and environmental associated with forests, such as carbon sequestration and soil stabilization.
The conservation of the property is intricately linked to the state of the broader Petén and the even larger transboundary Selva Maya region, which are under increasing pressure from large-scale land transformation, including deforestation, farmland encroachment, infrastructure development, and intentional and accidental fires, all alongside increased impacts of climate change.
Collection of timber, e.g. fuelwood,
Sustainable extraction of materials (e.g. coral, shells, resin, rubber, grass, rattan, etc)
Across the entire Selva Maya local communities and indigenous peoples have been using timber for construction and energy, as well as a broad range of non-timber forest products for all sorts of purposes at all times. The restrictions of the national park create a dilemma in this regard.
Sustainable resource use in areas surrounding the property is under pressure from land grabs, land speculation, deforestation, encroaching agricultural frontiers, population increase and intentional and accidental forest fires.
The conservation of the extraordinary cultural and natural heritage of the site and the generation of information and knowledge are the overarching benefits. Tikal is a major, globally renowned tourism hotspot with important educational and local economic benefits. Embedded within the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, which provide essential natural resources for the livelihood of many local communities and indigenous peoples, the site contributes to the maintenance of many environmental services of a globally important forest region.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and numerous partners | Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) began its activities in Guatemala in 1992 with the mission to conserve the Maya Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important natural areas in Mesoamerica for wildlife. Our main focus is to strengthen national and local capacities, supporting Guatemalan technicians, students and experts, and strengthening Civil Society in the country. In this context, WCS works under four interrelated axes for the conservation of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR): 1) Biological research and monitoring; 2) Social development and sustainable management of natural resources in rural communities; 3) Protection and prevention of forest fires; and 4) Governance and cross-cutting issues, including sustainable financing of the MBR. |
https://guatemala.wcs.org/en-us/
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| 2 | Rainforest Alliance | Since 1997, the Rainforest Alliance has worked with community forestry concessions to strengthen their organizational and technical capacity to manage natural resources in ways that protect and restore forests |
https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/resource-item/2020-2025-strategy-guatemalas-maya-biosphere-reserve/
|
References
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| 2 |
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| 11 |
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| 12 |
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| 16 |
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| 17 |
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| 18 |
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| 19 |
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| 22 |
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| 23 |
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| 25 |
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