Líderes indígenas luchando por salvar el lago Atitlán | Indigenous Leaders Fighting to Save Lake Atitlán.

El 22 de noviembre de 2025, la localidad de San Pedro organizó un evento de carreras de kayak y canoa para concienciar sobre la contaminación del lago Atitlán. Los miembros de la comunidad fueron educados por Juan Mañuel, fundador de Taa'p'it, una organización liderada por los mayas que ofrece educación a jóvenes y padres sobre prácticas agrícolas ancestrales, nutrición y restauración ecológica.

Miembros de la junta de Chi Tz'unun Choy asistieron al evento y actualmente están planificando clases para 2026 que ayudarán a los niños y familias tzuná a formar parte de la misión de mejorar la salud del lago Atitlán.

On November 22, 2025, the town of San Pedro held a kayak and canoe racing event to raise awareness about pollution of Lake Atitlán. Community members were educated by Juan Mañuel, founder of Taa’p’it, a Mayan led organization that provides education to youth and parents on the topics of ancestral farming practices, nutrition, and ecologic restoration.

Board members of Chi Tz’unun Choy attended the event, and are currently planning classes for 2026 that will help Tzununá children and families become part of the mission to improve the health of Lake Atitlán.

In 2022, Chi Tz'unun Choy organized a tree planting event that involved over 200 young volunteers. Together, they planted 1,000 trees in a local park, significantly enhancing the area's biodiversity and providing habitats for wildlife. Participants reported feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride in their contributions.

Youth-Led Advocacy Campaigns

Participants have also launched advocacy campaigns to promote sustainable practices in their schools and communities. One notable campaign focused on reducing single-use plastics, resulting in several local businesses adopting more sustainable packaging options.

The Role of Community in Supporting Chi Tz'unun Choy

Community support is vital for the success of initiatives like Chi Tz'unun Choy. Here are ways communities can get involved:

• Volunteer Opportunities: Local residents can volunteer for events, providing manpower and resources.

• Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses and individuals can sponsor events or donate supplies, helping to expand the initiative's reach.

• Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, local governments, and environmental organizations can enhance the program's effectiveness and visibility.

  
  

The Future of Chi Tz'unun Choy

As Chi Tz'unun Choy continues to grow, its future looks promising. The initiative aims to expand its reach to more communities, providing even more young people with the opportunity to engage in environmental stewardship. Plans include:

• Expanding Educational Programs: Developing new workshops that address emerging environmental issues, such as climate change adaptation and renewable energy.

• Creating Online Resources: Offering virtual workshops and resources to reach youth who may not be able to participate in person.

  
  

Conclusion

Chi Tz'unun Choy is more than just an initiative; it is a movement that empowers young people to become environmental stewards. By providing education, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, it inspires the next generation to take action for a sustainable future. As we support and expand such initiatives, we pave the way for a healthier planet and a more environmentally conscious society.

Let us all take a cue from Chi Tz'unun Choy and encourage the youth in our lives to engage with the environment. Together, we can cultivate a generation of passionate advocates for our planet.