Honouring Belizean Youth on World Indigenous Day

As the United Nations Belize commemorates the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we proudly celebrate the contributions of young Belizeans from indigenous communities who serve as 'Agents of Change for Self-determination.' Among these inspiring individuals, our focus turns to Florentino Chiac Jr., a Science Manager at Ya’axché Conservation Trust who stands at the forefront of safeguarding wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas managed by the organization, as well as farmlands within the Maya Golden Landscape in Southern Belize.

Pioneering Citizen Science for Biodiversity Monitoring

Florentino's innovative approach has transformed wildlife camera trapping into a citizen science initiative for monitoring biodiversity in the indigenous farming landscape of the Toledo District. This entails strategically placing cameras on the farms to capture photos and videos of the animals in their natural habitats. By engaging 27 farmers as custodians of the land and lens, he has successfully bridged the gap in communicating biodiversity information to farming families. This not only enriches scientific knowledge but has also led to behavioural changes among the farmers, helping them understand the significance of wildlife research and the role of their sustainable farming practices in contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Empowering Through Education

Florentino's commitment has also resulted in the creation of an infographic guide that equips farming families with information about the rich diversity of species inhabiting their farmlands. Armed with this knowledge, these farmers now utilize the guide to educate students during eco-farm tours.

Fostering Harmony in Human-Jaguar Interactions

Mitigating human-wildlife conflicts is another area of keen interest for Florentino, given the prevalence of these conflicts in Southern Belize. With a particular focus on addressing human-jaguar interactions, he works closely with farmers to document predator encounters and recommends mitigation measures to reduce conflicts. The data collected contributes to a national wildlife conflict database, offering insights that guide effective management interventions.

A Bridge of Cultural Understanding

Florentino's indigenous roots as a Mayan lend a unique perspective that amplifies the impact of his work. His connection with the Mayan farming communities in Toledo goes beyond scientific research, forging a bridge of cultural understanding and trust. This connection paves the way for shared learning and collaboration, honouring traditions while embracing new frontiers of knowledge.

Inspiration for the Future

Florentino's dedication and innovative approach have a lasting impact on wildlife conservation in Belize. His story serves as inspiration for young minds interested in preserving our planet's rich biodiversity. On this year’s International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, join us in celebrating Florentino Chiac Jr.'s unwavering commitment to nature and community!

Share Your Story of Impact

We invite other young indigenous Belizeans to share their own impactful stories, aligned with the theme: "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination." For more information, please email us at rcs-unbelize@un.org.