Our efforts in Guatemala are centered on protecting and restoring the country’s most polluted waterways, beginning with the Bay of Izabal and extending to the critically important Motagua River.
RiverImpact Barriers in Action
Our work began with the installation of RiverImpact Barriers in the Bay of Puerto San Tomás, Izabal. This initiative marked the start of our ongoing commitment to intercepting plastic waste and debris in the region. In collaboration with Fundaeco, the largest NGO in Guatemala dedicated to ecosystem protection, we have installed five barriers across small rivers feeding into the bay. These barriers play a crucial role in capturing debris and preventing it from entering the bay, thereby safeguarding marine and coastal environments.
Simultaneously, our most significant and impactful project to date is on the Motagua River—recognized as the most polluted river in Central America. The installation of a RiverImpact Barrier here has been pivotal in intercepting vast amounts of plastic waste that would otherwise flow into the Caribbean Sea, exacerbating marine pollution.
Community Involvement and Sustainability
Fundaeco, alongside local communities, is integral to the maintenance and success of these barriers. The communities actively participate in cleaning, sorting, and selling the collected debris and plastics for recycling. This process generates essential income for social projects within the communities, all coordinated by Fundaeco. The revenue from recycling not only benefits the local communities but also helps cover the operational costs of maintaining the barriers.
Partnerships and a Comprehensive Approach
In partnership with Fundaeco, we are jointly developing a comprehensive master plan to clean and protect both the Bay of Izabal and the Motagua River. Additionally, Invema, a key partner in our efforts, purchases the recyclable materials collected through our initiatives. With six barriers now in place—five in various rivers flowing into the Bay of Izabal and one on the Motagua River—our efforts in Guatemala are a critical part of our global mission to protect aquatic ecosystems.
