Guatemalan Community Forestry Association Utz Che’

The Guatemalan Community Forestry Association Utz Che’ – meaning “good tree” in the K’iché language – is a civil association formed by indigenous and peasant organizations dedicated to community forestry and the sustainable management of their natural resources, mainly forests, tree plantations, and water sources.

Su intención es contribuir a la generación de soluciones integradas diseñadas para abordar el desarrollo comunitario de manera holística, sostenible, promoviendo la prosperidad económica, el bienestar social y la preservación de los bienes naturales.

Defense of Rights and Political Advocacy

Achieve recognition and respect for the rights of communities to decide on their territory and natural resources by state institutions and civil society.

Strengthening Community Governance and the Network

Strengthen the governance system of organizations that make up the Utz Che´ network by consolidating and promoting inclusive participation, accountability, and empowerment of its members for integral development.

Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Contribute to the Community Forestry management model adopted by grassroots community organizations for their natural resources and territories.

Community Livelihoods

Improve the living conditions of those who are members of grassroots community organizations through diversified, agroecological, equitable, and sustainable practices in production, fishing, forestry, community tourism, and other areas.

Financial Administrative Sustainability

Facilitate the efficient and effective management and administration of the Association's resources by implementing continuous improvements in internal processes. This is based on the efficient and transparent management of financial resources, contributing to financial sustainability.

Contribute to community initiatives and processes

Community-based integral formation center

- THE PECESITA -

La PECESITA acompaña a individuos y comunidades rurales en procesos de aprendizaje práctico en forestería comunitaria y defensa de los derechos territoriales e indígenas. Se dedica a promover la agroecología y la producción sostenible para fortalecer la soberanía alimentaria y la adaptación al cambio climático.

Equatorial Prize 2020


Promote resilient communities, recognize and encourage solutions based on sustainable development. Create opportunities for knowledge and best practices developed in local communities and indigenous peoples.