April 25, 2021
Press Release
Belmopan – United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges met with organizations supporting environmental conservation and sustainable development in indigenous communities as part of his two-day visit to the Toledo District.
Chargé Gilges toured the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve with the Ya’axché Conservation Trust, an environmental nonprofit that focuses on protecting biodiversity and human development. Executive Director Christina Garcia explained that the preserve protects the last remaining forested link between the Maya mountains and the coastal lowland forests and provides food and shelter to indigenous wildlife and endangered species. Chargé Gilges met with
local indigenous cacao farmers and beekeepers engaging in environmentally sustainable cultivation practices with the training and support from the trust. Chargé Gilges also visited a group of indigenous Maya women that have installed solar energy in 40 homes in remote indigenous villages in the Toledo District.
Yesterday’s visits are part of Chargé Gilges’ trip to Stann Creek and Toledo Districts from April
23-25.
