Located in the Buena Vista hamlet, Aldea Chichim, Todos Santos Cuchumatan, Huehuetenango, this grassroots organization was founded in 1997 by a small group of individuals. The association has four strategic priorities:

– Development of the association’s technical, administrative, and communication capabilities

– Management and implementation of sustainable social and economic initiatives

– Loan portfolio management

– Development of social projects for the association’s members and service users.

ADECAF members and users have set aside at least 261.08 hectares for natural regeneration, 301.26 hectares for the protection of natural forests, and 35.64 hectares for reforestation.

Currently, a closed-loop, adapted, and sustainable ecological model has been established through sheep farming in pens, potato production using organic fertilizer made from sheep manure, and forestry incentives.

The association operates a biofactory for the production and sale of bio-inputs. It has also developed a community tourism initiative at its “Puertas del Cielo” Ecotourism Park, which combines nature, tradition, and hospitality. It features a community tourism trail that allows visitors to explore a protected pinabete forest with observation decks. This space also serves to raise awareness about community forestry and the smallholder farming model. Visitors not only enjoy a preserved natural environment but also immerse themselves in a way of life that cares for the land and preserves cultural roots. The project was conceived as a response to forced migration and aims to strengthen the local economy, create decent jobs, and raise awareness of the work done by indigenous communities to preserve their forests.