Elijio Panti National Park

21/05/2026

𝐈𝐭𝐳𝐚𝐦𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲, 𝐜𝐨-𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐣 𝐊’𝐚𝐚𝐱 𝐇’𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 8𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐄𝐅 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐔𝐳𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧

Itzamna Society is proud to announce its selection to attend the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 8th Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, representing Belize along with eighty other Civil Society Organizations selected by the GEF globally. The GEF Small Grants Programme in Belize submitted three nominations to the GEF Secretariat. The GEF Secretariat selected Itzamna Society.

Representing Itzamna Society and Elijio Panti National Park is Mr. Rigoberto Saqui, who will be Belize’s Indigenous Youth Ambassador during the 8th GEF Assembly. The 8th GEF Assembly is from 30 May to 6 June 2026. The GEF Assembly is the highest governing body of the GEF, composed of 186 member countries and meets once every four years.

Building on the momentum of previous gatherings, the Assembly will bring together ministers, heads of international organizations, business leaders, civil-society advocates, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth from the GEF’s 186 member countries to chart an accelerated path toward global environmental goals.

Itzamna Society is the Co-manager of the 𝗡𝗼𝗷 𝗞’𝗮𝗮𝘅 𝗛’𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 along with the National Biodiversity Office of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management fostering Indigenous stewardship of biodiversity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development with Yucatec Maya (𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘭) communities that buffer the 𝗡𝗼𝗷 𝗞’𝗮𝗮𝘅 𝗛’𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸- a 12,600 acres sacred forest.

Our work is guided by the understanding that protecting forests, water, wildlife, and sacred resources is also a commitment to safeguarding Indigenous identity, cosmovision, knowledge, and cultural continuity.

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘫𝘪𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦" 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘢, 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘵𝘻𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺, 2026.

Itzamna Society expresses gratitude to the GEF and GEF SGP Belize implemented by UNDP for this opportunity providing an important space to share Belize’s experiences in Indigenous-led stewardship, community resilience, governance, and sustainable development. It also highlights the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting biodiversity and advancing climate action.

The 𝗡𝗼𝗷 𝗞’𝗮𝗮𝘅 𝗛’𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗷𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 is named after renowned Indigenous Yucatec Maya healer Don Elijio Panti whose life’s work healed many people with remedies extracted directly from the forest protected today.

Through our partnership with the GEF Small Grants Programme-Belize implemented by UNDP which began in 2002, Itzamna Society continues to strengthen grassroots leadership, promote cultural heritage, and support locally driven solutions for environmental Indigenous stewardship and governance approaches.

As we prepare for Samarkand, we carry with us the voices, knowledge, and lived realities of the communities we serve.

We look forward to building meaningful partnerships and contributing to global conversations and secure financing towards Indigenous leadership and stewardship essential to the protection of Mother Earth.

Belize National Biodiversity Office
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations
The GEF Small Grants Programme - Belize
Global Environment Facility
Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Belize Tourism Board
National Institute of Culture and History

16/05/2026

14/05/2026

Preparations are underway for this year’s BioBlitz hosted by EPNP! 🌿🦜✨

Yesterday’s discussion at the IS Headquarters brought together dedicated individuals committed to biodiversity research, conservation, and environmental education. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing ideas, and planning engaging activities that will make this year’s BioBlitz a meaningful and impactful experience for participants and the wider community. 🌳📚

The BioBlitz continues to serve as an important opportunity to explore, document, and celebrate the rich biodiversity of Elijio Panti National Park while fostering community involvement and scientific learning. 🐾💚

We are excited about what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more updates as preparations continue!

14/05/2026

🌿MEETING WITH The GEF Small Grants Programme - Belize | UNDP BELIZE 🇧🇿🌎

On Monday, May 11, 2026, representatives of Itzamna Society which includes Ms. Maria Garcia, Ms. Sonia Rosales and Mr. Rigoberto Saqui visited the The GEF Small Grants Programme - Belize / UNDP Belize Office in Belmopan for an important meeting with Leonel Requena (National Coordinator of GEF Small Grants Programme) to discuss the GEF SGP OP8.

The discussion focused on developing sustainable solutions to support farmers living along the road leading to Elijio Panti National Park with support of the San Antonio Village Council. These initiatives aim to strengthen climate resilience, improve long-term food security, and enhance the livelihoods of surrounding communities. At the same time, the project seeks to reinforce governance and enforcement efforts within EPNP while preserving and promoting the Maya Yucatec language and cultural heritage.

Following the meeting, Mr. Leonel Requena expressed his appreciation for the impactful work the Itzamna Society has accomplished through previous UNDP supported initiatives. He highlighted that the organization’s dedication and proven results are among the reasons UNDP is interested in supporting future investments, including potential road upgrades that would not only benefit local farmers but also boost tourism opportunities for the park and neighboring communities.

We were also deeply honored to meet with Kishan Khoday (Resident Representative for UNDP for Belize, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos) and Michael Lund (Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Belize). Their interest and support for community-driven conservation and sustainable development initiatives are truly encouraging.

Together, we continue working toward a future where environmental conservation, community empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development go hand in hand. 🌱✨
SGP

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

According to bird experts, we have now documented two different species of starthroats within the Elijio Panti National Park (EPNP)

• The Plain-capped Starthroat and
• The Long-billed Starthroat.

What an incredible discovery and important record, not only for EPNP but for the entire country of Belize! 🐦🇧🇿