By: Daksh Jhanjee | September 24, 2022
On June 15th, 2021, the community of Guineales, Guatemala, was struck by disaster. Heavy rainfall caused the Quibá River to overflow, flooding the village and tragically claiming three lives. In the weeks that followed, additional flooding and landslides devastated the surrounding areas of Sololá, affecting an estimated 15,000 people.
When I first learned about the magnitude of destruction in Sololá, I was struck by how quickly nature’s wrath can change the lives of so many. Homes were lost, families displaced, and once-lush landscapes eroded by floodwaters and landslides. It was clear that the communities in this region needed more than immediate relief—they needed long-term solutions to protect their land and livelihoods.
That’s where our reforestation efforts began. In the village of Los Planes Chuchexic, our team planted 22,050 trees to help stabilize the soil on the mountain slopes. These trees, once fully grown, will create a protective barrier, preventing future landslides and controlling the flow of water in the area. This is more than just an environmental project—it’s a mission to rebuild hope in a region that has faced unimaginable devastation.
While planting trees won’t bring back the lives lost or fully erase the scars of the disaster, it is a step toward healing the land and empowering the people. We’re working hand in hand with local farmers and community members, teaching them sustainable farming techniques and giving them the tools to protect their environment. It’s inspiring to see how resilient these communities are, how willing they are to rebuild from the ground up—literally.
For me, this project is a reminder of the power of nature to both destroy and heal. As we continue to plant trees and nurture the land, we’re also planting the seeds of resilience, sustainability, and hope for a better future. The work we’re doing in Guatemala is just the beginning, but it’s a testament to what’s possible when we come together to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation head-on.
