Impact Spotlight
Solarized agricultural center to serve 7 communities with the resources needed to stabilize local food systems
Workforce, cultural management, and climate advocacy training for 25 community members
Rotating 6 month education program for farmers and low-income families
About
U Yich Lu'um is a Mayan-led, community-based organization located in Sanahhcat, Yucatán, Mexico. The organization promotes the restoration of the biocultural diversity of Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica, and defends the lands and rights of the Mayan people. Through their strong ties to their community and culture, much of U Yich Lu'um’s work is centered on preserving cultural knowledge and practices and promoting the use of traditional agricultural methods.
As climate change continues to impact the Yucatán region, there has been less and less opportunity for Mayan youth to learn and practice traditional agricultural ways. In response, U Yich Lu'um created an agroecological center where they host groups of women beekeepers, farmers, and youth to learn, teach and share traditional knowledge.
“Since 2013, we have been irrigating our crops using panels to take advantage of solar energy. It has always been part of our dream.”
HF Partnership
U Yich Lu'um plans to solarize the agroecological center, consolidating it into one comprehensive training and production space. In the center, an agricultural school will offer a culturally relevant curriculum, based on feedback and engagement with representatives of 7 local communities. Courses offered every 6 months will serve first-generation farmers, youth, and the lowest-income community members.
The solar system will be monitored, operated, and maintained by the participants with, at least during the first phase, technical support as needed. In the future, local installers and trained community members will offer additional courses to promote the benefits of solar in other nearby communities.
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