At IMAP, we believe that the shift toward a more nutritious, holistic food system begins with the very stuff of life: its seeds. We view seed savers as guardians of biodiversity, and recognize their potential for improving food sovereignty. We promote biodiversity and food sovereignty by selling, donating and trading seeds through our Seed Bank, and sharing […]
The Problem Biotechnology is spreading like wildfire across the globe. While biotech companies claim that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can feed not only the West, but indeed the entire world, the reality in countries such as Guatemala paints an altogether different picture. Pesticides proven unsafe in the US are shipped to countries like Guatemala […]
BUILD SCHOOL GARDENS: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT According to UNICEF data from 2007, Guatemala has the highest percentage of chronically malnourished girls and boys in Latin America, and the fourth highest in the world. On these trips, our students and volunteers created beautiful spaces in a school which will contribute to feeding school children while imparting […]
HOME GARDENS: WHY THEY’RE IMPORTANT Chukumuk is one of the most vulnerable communities in Guatemala. Its entire population is comprised of men, women and children who were relocated from Panabaj after their village was destroyed during hurricane Stan in 2005. Despite huge investment from the Spanish government on schools, roads and housing, the community have […]
PLANT FRUIT TREES: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT In recent years the coffee crisis caused by the roya disease has jeopardized the livelihoods of the men and women who depend on coffee for income generation. In addition, unlike “sun” coffee grown throughout the world, a sizable percentage of Guatemalan coffee needs shade to grow properly. By planting […]
IMAP welcomes visitors from all over the world. Recently, Cécile and Henri-Paul from Canada’s Réseau entraide solidarité monde visited IMAP. They were kind enough to write about their experience, and I thought I’d post it here for all the French speakers out there. For more info on our educational tours, check out this page. Swing by if […]
2014 promises to be an inspiring year at IMAP. We are please to announce this year’s courses and workshops, which will focus on promoting permaculture and biodiversity. This year we are offering a series of 2-day workshops that can be taken individually or as part of a certificate (with 10% discount) in Home Gardens, Permaculture Design, […]
2014 can be about growth. It can be about learning. It can be about all that and more, if you have the drive and the right conditions to make it happen. Here at IMAP, we’re happy to start the year with fresh eyes, dirty fingernails and new ideas, riding the wave of another successful Permaculture […]
September will be a busy month at IMAP! Here’s what’s coming up. On September 9 and 10th we will be offering a workshop on Fermentation and Food Processing using native plants: From September 23 to 27, we will be offering an Introduction to Permaculture course: Both the workshop and the course are offered in Spanish […]
Some upcoming workshops that could be of interest to some of you passing through Guatemala! Composting & Natural Fertilizers, August 19, 2013: Aquaculture, August 26, 2013:
This workshop is only available in Spanish, but if you’re in Guatemala and speak Spanish, you should join us next Monday as we learn about how and why to save seeds!
The Introduction to Permaculture course is a great way to find out more about permaculture in Central America. This “taster” will provide an opportunity to get your hands dirty, learn some permaculture basics, and get inspired. The Instituto Mesoamericano de Permacultura (IMAP) offers a series of 3-day Introduction to Permaculture Course throughout the year – […]