FARES 2006 Annual Report

FARES 2006 | ANNUAL REPORT Foundation for the Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies

Non-profit research dedicated to the scientific study of humanity and environment through conservation, education, and responsible development.

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Editor: Meredith Skeff Design: Elise Seingier Printing: Burley Reminder Printing 2

Table of Contents

About Us FARES

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The Mirador Basin

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Letter from the President

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2006 Developments U.S. DOI Involvement in the Mirador Basin

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The Guatemalan Government and the Mirador Basin

10

FARES and Gateway Communities

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2006 Archaeological Projects

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Mirador Basin Biological Studies

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Technology at Work in the Mirador Basin

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Financials

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In the News

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Partners

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Thank You

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FARES | Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting scientific research on ancient and contemporary societies and their related environments. Our organization is committed to utilizing cultural and ecological data for the conservation and development of threatened areas, and to promote education in local communities. FARES is currently working in close collaboration with the government of Guatemala, and with numerous foundations and institutions throughout the world.

FARES is a non-profit 501 (c) (3), a scientific research institution and public charity formed in January, 1996 (Federal I.D. #82-0486235) and is under statutes 509 (a) (1) of the IRS code.

Principle Objectives 1) To conduct scientific, multi-disciplinary, archaeological research and environmental studies in northern Guatemala’s Mirador Basin. FARES is the primary sponsor of the Mirador Basin Project, which is currently exploring the origins, dynamics, and demise of early Maya civilization in the region.

2) To preserve the tropical forest in northern Guatemala and the Mesoamerican Lowlands.

Through the establishment of sustainable conservation programs, such as world-class archaeological parks and natural preserves, these forests have the ability to provide new economic benefits to the surrounding communities and the Republic of Guatemala.

3) To establish and assist educational and vocational development programs in local communities. Programs focus on sustainable agricultural techniques, forestry and reforestation, eco-tourism and tourist services, wilderness and national monument management, financial management, literacy, and health.

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RICHARD D. HANSEN

MATTHEW A. WHITE

MATTHEW A. WHITE

The Mirador Basin The Mirador Basin exists as one of Central America’s greatest treasures. This culturally and biologically rich area is located in the northern-most region of the PetÊn (Guatemala) and southern Campeche (Mexico), in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. At over 525,000 acres, the Mirador Basin (Guatemala) offers extensive habitat to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several World Conservation Union (IUCN) identified endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened species. In addition to a striking biological diversity, the Mirador Basin is marked by the earliest and largest Preclassic Maya cities in known in Mesoamerica. These cities are filled with massive constructions including pyramids, temples, palaces, causeways, and other remnants of a highly evolved and complex society. Mirador Basin discoveries have led experts to identify this area as the Cradle of Maya Civilization.

The FARES Foundation is committed to investigating and saving the Mirador Basin, and is currently collaborating with the Guatemalan government, local communities, and international organizations

MATTHEW A. WHITE

and governments to ensure the preservation and protection of this exceptional area.

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Letter from the President Dear Friends of the Mirador Basin, I am proud to announce that the successes of 2006 have been some of the most important and exciting in the history of FARES. Your funding, combined with the passion and dedication of our partners and staff, has enabled us to achieve unprecedented success in the areas of conservation, investigation, and sustainable community development.

Within the Mirador Basin, important new archaeological and natural discoveries have marked the 2006 field season. In addition to these scientific breakthroughs, many pivotal developments have occurred outside of the Basin. New partnerships have been forged with governments (including the U.S. Department of the Interior), organizations, foundations, and individuals, which are serving to strengthen conservation and development efforts in the Mirador area. Additionally, the Guatemalan government has spearheaded new initiatives to promote communication and collaboration regarding the Mirador Basin and its future. These new forums are helping to provide meaningful solutions to issues that have challenged the region for years, and represent the first time in history that many of these parties have united together under a common cause. Developments and collaborations such as these bring us hope that we can still protect the Mirador Basin from a potentially devastating future.

Our vision to assist with the creation of a road-less, cultural and natural preserve is gaining momentum, and your support has been critical to moving us towards this goal. In 2006, the Mirador Basin archaeological and scientific field season ran for over six months, nearly

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doubling the efforts of previous years, and bringing us the closest we have ever been to conducting year-round research. Our work to conserve and consolidate the ancient Maya cities within the Mirador Basin is a fundamental step to saving the last expanse of tropical forest in Central America. It is our belief that these ancient cities, when combined with the development of sustainable and responsible eco-tourism, will stimulate local economies and provide the economic justification for the Mirador Basin’s preservation.

The value of the Mirador Basin is incalculable, and we are in a race against time to save its forests and the treasures that lay within them. In addition to offering precious habitat to countless creatures, the Basin also gives us the opportunity to learn about ourselves – who we are, where we came from, and what may happen if we do not protect our environment. I would like to personally extend an invitation to each of you to come to the Mirador Basin, the Cradle of Maya Civilization, to see for yourself the magnificent cities, pyramids, and pristine forests that together we can save.

On behalf of FARES, I would like to express my gratitude for your generous support of our project.

Sincerely,

Richard D. Hansen

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2006 | US DOI Involvement

Carlos Fion, Executive Secretary of the Presidency, Dirk Kempthorne, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and Ervin Salvador Lopez, Director of the Cultural and Natural Patrimony of Guatemala RICHARD D. HANSEN

United States Department of the Interior Signs Agreements with Guatemalan Government

In 2006, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Government of Guatemala made a landmark decision to begin collaborative work on the conservation of Guatemala’s natural and cultural resources. The DOI’s International Technical Assistance Program (ITAP) has committed to providing ten years of expertise to the Guatemalan government, and will serve as a key technical advisor on the management of protected areas and the development of sustainable tourism.

This new intergovernmental partnership has served as a critical development for FARES and the Mirador Basin Project. DOI-ITAP programs have been launched with a primary focus on sustainable tourism development and conservation in the Mirador Basin. Since June 2006, the DOI-ITAP team has been involved with training programs, technical assistance, and active on-site participation. These efforts have been sponsored with funding from DOI, FARES, and Global Heritage Fund (GHF).

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In 2007, the DOI plans to coordinate with the Government of Guatemala, local communities, and key non-governmental organizations, on the following projects: · Design and construct a visitor center in El Mirador. · Assist in the development basic visitor infrastructure at El Mirador, Tintal, and La Florida including lodging, kitchen and dining areas, bathrooms, and control booths. · Design and install interpretive panels for visitors. · Enhance fire management strategy and provide equipment. · Strengthen and equip security forces. · Develop mid-high level inter-agency strategies. · Train field staff and personnel. · Design and install water cisterns. · Develop park access and transportation options. · Work on community tourism development.

DOI meeting with the Guatemalan government.

COURTESY OF THE DOI

DOI, FARES, GHF, and WCS exploration team.

COURTESY OF THE MIRADOR BASIN PROJECT

· Update Park Master Plan with the Guatemalan government.

Mirador DOI-ITAP team includes specialists in the areas of: · Civil Engineering · Community Development

· Organizational Development

· Geography and Geographic

· Tourism and Ecotourism

Information Systems (GIS)

· Protected Areas Planning · Transportation

· Landscape Architecture

· Visitor Education and Orientation

· Law Enforcement

· Visitor Management 9

2006 | Guatemalan Government The Guatemalan Government and the Mirador Basin Throughout 2006, the Guatemalan government has been highly involved in promoting the Mirador Basin and its preservation. In addition to working with the project directly, governmental representatives have been instrumental in forming numerous collaborations and partnerships – both within Guatemala and internationally.

National developments in 2006 included the establishment of monthly Multi-Sector

Roundtable Discussions (Mesas Multisectoriales). These discussions, initiated on October 25 by the Office of the Presidency of Guatemala and associated governmental agencies, offer local, national, and international leaders a forum in which they can address the conservation and development needs for the Mirador Basin and the surrounding area. Initiatives such as these increase communication and collaboration, and establish

UNESCO Guatemala Promotes the Mirador Basin In 2006, major steps were taken by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Guatemala to make the Mirador Basin a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

In a 2006 news release, UNESCO Guatemala stated that the nomination of the Basin, which has been on the UNESCO Tentative List since 1998, now “constitutes one of the priorities of the State of Guatemala.” Representatives from UNESCO Guatemala visited the Basin on several occasions throughout 2005 and 2006, and in 2006 UNESCO Guatemala formed a technical multi-disciplinary committee, and hosted multiple workshops; these initiatives are intended to promote the nomination of the Mirador Basin for World Heritage status.

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LIGIA TOLEDO PACUNAM, FARES, and APANAC board members.

COURTESY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GUATEMALA Guatemalan Minister of the Environment, President, and Executive Secretary of the Presidency

economic, social, and cultural incentives to save the Mirador Basin.

2006 | Official Visits to Mirador US GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & FOUNDATIONS

Assistant to Senator Patrick Leahy of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations

Balam Association, Guatemala

Mission Director and Former Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Conservation International, USA

Public Affairs Officer, United States Embassy, Guatemala

Enlace Quiche, Guatemala

Representatives from the Department of the Interior International Technical Assistance Program (DOI ITAP) United States Ambassador to Guatemala GUATEMALAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Assistant to the Secretary of the Presidency Director of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) General Director and representatives from the Institute of Anthropology and History of Guatemala (IDAEH) Guatemalan Ambassador to the United States Representatives from the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP) President of the Institute of Recreation for Workers of the Private Sector of Guatemala (IRTRA)

Carlos F. Novella Foundation, Guatemala

Counterpart International, USA

Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (APANAC), Guatemala Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM), Guatemala Global Heritage Fund (GHF), USA Paiz Foundation, Guatemala Pantaleon Foundation, Guatemala William Holden Wildlife Foundation, USA Acts of Kindness Foundation (AOK), USA OTHER ORGANIZATIONS United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Guatemala (UNESCO) Google National Geographic

Presidential Commisioner of the PetĂŠn

MATTHEW A. WHITE

Presidential Commissioner of Tourism

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2006 | Gateway Communities One of FARES primary goals is to make a difference in the communities that surround the Mirador Basin. These efforts are often accomplished through collaborative efforts between FARES and its partners.

“I came to the conclusion years ago that science that doesn’t bless the lives of people is sterile. It is a matter of converting science to blessing the lives of people.”

New Visitor Center in Carmelita In 2006, the building of Carmelita’s Community Visitor Center was completed. The Visitor Center features a small shop, lodging, solar-heated showers, toilets, and a native garden. This new facility exists as a major asset to the Mirador Basin Project, and will serve as a resource for Mirador Basin travelers.

After the Visitor Center’s inauguration ceremony, the facility was turned over to the Carmelita community. This center signifies a new economic opportunity for the people of Carmelita, and represents the first step towards developing tourist infrastructure and tourism programs in this ‘gateway’ community.

The construction of the Carmelita Community Visitor Center would not have been possible without the generous support of the Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (APANAC) and the Global Heritage Fund (GHF).

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MEREDITH W. SKEFF

MEREDITH W. SKEFF

Dr. Richard Hansen The Waterbury Observer, February 2006

Literacy Programs Literacy classes for project workmen have been an integral component of camp activity in the Mirador

MATTHEW A. WHITE

Basin since 1991. During the 2006 field season, however, these programs were substantially enhanced. In 2006, the National Council of Literacy (CONALFA) program was implemented at El Mirador. The CONALFA curriculum enables teachers to work with students according to their individual progression. Out of 220 workers, 160 workers chose to participate in evening sessions, and 23 individuals completed the first stage of the course. Diplomas were presented on site.

CONALFA has been a major success in the Basin

MATTHEW A. WHITE

and the program will be continued and expanded in 2007.

Computers Donated to Local Communities The Acts of Kindness Foundation (AOK), along with FARES and GHF, distributed 72 refurbished computers, generators, and printers in the elementary schools of five villages on the outskirts of the Mirador Basin; villages included Carmelita, La Pasadita, Cruce a la Colorada, Dos Aguadas,

RICHARD D. HANSEN

and Uaxactun.

The AOK Foundation equipped the computers with Spanish programs, and provided initial instructions to local teachers.

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2006 | Archaeological Projects During the 2006 field season, significant efforts went towards the continued conservation, consolidation, stabilization, and restoration of Preclassic art and architecture found within the Mirador Basin. The 2006 season has been the most extensive field season ever conducted in the area. Archaeological studies were in operation for a total of seven months (May – August, October – December) due to expanded financial contributions. This season was three to four months longer than any previous field program.

Archaeological studies were performed at the following locations: El Mirador La Danta La Pava Structure 34 (Jaguar Paw Temple) Structure 313, Central Acropolis Cascabel La Muerta

GHF & FARES

Tintal Tintal-Mirador Causeway Test pitting of selected plazas

Preliminary exploration, salvage excavations, and mapping were conducted in the following ancient cities:

RICHARD D. HANSEN

La Tortuga El Laurel La Icotea Los Chuntos El Lechugal El Desencanto Tamazul La Llorona

Excavation of the east mask on Structure 34.

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Archaeology | Highlights La Danta Preclassic Construction In

2006,

archaeological

work

continued to expose the massive Preclassic art and architecture of the upper, central structure of La Danta.

CHARLES D. BIEBER

Excavations unknown

revealed masks,

previously

Preclassic

art

formats, stairways, and architectural design on the building.

La Danta’s south wall.

Emergency Consolidation of La Danta South Wall In early 2006, archaeologists discovered that Danta’s south wall, a major intact wall standing over 30 meters (98 feet) high, was in imminent danger of collapsing. Emergency consolidation measures were immediately conducted, which included the construction of wooden and steel scaffolding, tenon measures, damaged stone replacement, and the careful formulation of tons of lime mortar.

The Late Classic Settlement During 2006, continued work was done to expose the numerous terminal Late Classic (800 – 900 A.D.) rooms on the third (highest) platform of La Danta.

Terminal

Late

Classic

settlers

constructed a series of contiguous rooms by extracting stones from La Danta’s Late Preclassic (350 B.C. – A.D. 150) structure and stairway. During these La Danta had been abandoned, residents constructed living residences, sweat baths, and perhaps market facilities for pilgrimages.

MATTHEW A. WHITE

modest occupations, over 700 years after

Late Classic settlement excavated on Danta’s third platform.

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The Pava Pyramid

Upcoming Visitor Attraction La Pava pyramid is situated on the first (lowest) platform of the Danta

Complex.

Extensive

excavation and consolidation EDGAR SUYUC

efforts were performed on Pava during the 2006 field season, exposing

stone

architecture,

and

artwork,

stucco and

Above: Exposed mask and panels on La Pava.

Below: Artist’s depiction of mask and panels in original state.

stairways. The ultimate goal for this Preclassic pyramid is to expose

the

façade,

and EDGAR ORTEGA

emphasize the structure as a visitor attraction at El Mirador.

Cascabel

Dedicatory Cache During 2006 excavations, a buried, dedicatory, Preclassic bowl was discovered at the base the stairway of Structure 204 of the Cascabel Complex. The original contents of the cache could not be determined, however this offering does indicate that this complex was of particular significance to the Maya of the

MATTHEW A. WHITE

RICHARD D. HANSEN

Mirador Basin.

Dedicatory cache discovered in the Cascabel Complex.

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Reconstructed Preclassic bowl from dedicatory cache.

CHARLES D. BIEBER

Structure 34, the Jaguar Paw Temple.

Structure 34

Middle Preclassic Artwork Discovered Under Structure 34 During the 2006 field season, exploration continued on a buried structure located under RICHARD D. HANSEN

Structure 34. On this construction, known as Structure 34-Sub 1, archaeologists discovered a Preclassic deity mask and associated decorative panels. This architectural artwork is Portion of Preclassic deity mask.

in remarkably good condition, and is marked with beautifully preserved red, black, and

GUSTAVO VALENZUELA

cream paint.

Artist depiction of deity mask and panels on Structure 34-Sub1.

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Structure 313 | Upcoming Visitor Attraction Structure 313, a Late Preclassic triadic palace dating from 200 B.C. – 1 A.D., was the subject of extensive excavation and research in 2006. New archaeological work uncovered intact architecture, narrow stairways, architectural artwork (mask and panels), and artifacts. In addition, excavations revealed that there had been at least five major structural modifications made on the building in the Late Preclassic period (350 B.C. – A.D. 150). These renovations testify to the vibrant construction programs that occurred in El Mirador during this era. Ultimately, this fascinating structure

Examination of collapsed roof on Structure 313.

HIRO IWAMOTO

MATTHEW A. WHITE

will be emphasized as a tourist attraction in El Mirador.

Artist’s depiction of one of the Late Preclassic building stages of Structure 313.

La Muerta | Existing Visitor Attraction During the 2006 field season, the limestone bedrock carving, known as Monument 1 (excavated and reburied in 2003), was uncovered and made ready for visitor viewing. The Mirador Basin Project has installed a large polycarbonate and steel roofing system and viewing stand to enhance visitors’ experience of the monument. Monument 1 measures 6

EDGAR SUYUC

BEATRIZ BALCARCEL

meters (20 feet) by 6 meters (20 feet).

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Polycarbonate roofing system and viewing stand.

Monument 1, La Muerta.

Tintal - Mirador Causeway | Study of the Sacbe The causeways in the Mirador Basin exist as one of the Maya’s most remarkable creations. These causeways, also known as sacbe (white roads), connect many of the major cities in the Basin. In 2006, over fourteen kilometers (nine Central Acropolis in El Mirador to the Henequen Complex in Tintal, were examined. These studies revealed that the causeway is Preclassic in nature, and may date to as early as 400 B.C.

RICHARD D. HANSEN

miles) of the Tintal-Mirador causeway, stretching from the

Excavation of Tintal-Mirador Causeway.

New Mirador Basin Cities | Preliminary Exploration In 2006, eight new major cities in the Mirador Basin were mapped and explored. This work is important for the identification of Maya settlement patterns and population density levels in the Basin. The salvage efforts preformed on looters trenches indicates that there was a strong Late Preclassic (350 B.C. – A.D.

HECTOR MEJIA

150) presence in these cities and an additional Late Classic (600 – 800 A.D.) occupation.

Structure in the newly explored city of Tamazul.

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2006 | Biological Studies In late 2005, with the sponsorship of FARES and the Del Valle University, Cesar Castañeda (Director of the Department of Guatemala) embarked upon a three year study intended to create a botanical inventory of the Mirador Basin. This is the first time such an endeavor has been pursued

MATTHEW A. WHITE

Agroforestry at Del Valle University,

on such a scale since 1937. Throughout the 2006 season, Castañeda and his students explored a substantial portion of the northern part of the Basin collecting leaf, flower, seed, and fruit specimens. In addition to the collection of specimens, records were kept of sample locations, settings, and floral and faunal contexts. The primary focus of this three year study is on trees and shrubs, however, upcoming studies will examine the Basin’s

orchid,

fungi,

and

faunal IGOR XOYON

communities.

Castañeda’s work, in conjunction with pollen core sampling, AMS radiocarbon dating, and magnetic

susceptibility

analyses,

is

contributing to a comprehensive study of the ecological features of the Mirador Basin.

This work serves to enhance our current environmental history, and will lay the foundation

for

future

studies

of

contemporary Mirador Basin flora and fauna.

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MATTHEW A. WHITE

understanding of the area’s biology and

2006 | Technologies at Work in the Mirador Basin The use of new technology in the Mirador Basin has served to substantially enhance the precision of the archaeological and natural studies occurring in the area. These technologies are critical as they

RON AARTS

contribute to forming the scientific justification for the permanent preservation of the Mirador Basin.

Laser Scanning of La Danta Laser scanning provides archaeologists with a permanent record of the original state of architecture and architectural artwork. This work

RICAHRD D. HANSEN

offers the exact location of stone blocks, walls, artifacts, and floors prior to, during, and after excavations.

In 2006, a representative from Leica Geosystems preformed laser scanning on the terminal Late Classic settlements on the third (highest) platform of the Danta pyramid. This study resulted in the scan of the west face of the pyramid, as well as the interior faces of the

RON AARTS

surrounding triadic structures. These scans were critical to the excavations of both Preclassic and Classic Maya settlements on Danta.

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Mapping Technologies Mapping exists as a crucial part of the exploration of new sites in the Mirador Basin. By using a combination of Total Station and Laser Scanner technology, sub-surface radar equipment, real time GPS units, Graphic Information Systems (GIS), and aerial electronic radar (AIRSAR), archaeologists and other specialists are able to define the extent and nature of the Basin’s early settlement patterns. The information derived from these mapping techniques also enables experts to establish sampling, conservation, and excavation strategies for an archaeological site and the surrounding environment.

Sophisticated mapping technologies have been used in the civic centers of El Mirador, Nakbe, and La Florida, while traditional mapping methods have been applied to 23 additional sites in the Mirador Basin.

Pollen Core Sampling Since 2003, FARES has been collaborating with the University of California at Berkeley to analyze collected pollen core sample data. In 2006, pollen core samples were extracted from the Paixbanlon Lake in the northwest corner of the Mirador Basin.

Pollen core sampling is one of the most effective tools we have for understanding the environmental impact of ancient civilizations. Through collected pollen specimens and isotope analysis, scientists vegetation that serve to illustrate major human occupations and abandonment.

Occupations are marked by an increase in agricultural pollens (such as corn, squash, and weeds) and sedimentation rates. while collapses are characterized by a rise in the pollen and isotope signatures of native species.

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COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

are able to chart historic changes in

Financials Income Statement As of December 31, 2006

2004

2005

2006

602,871

1,118,140*

1,406,794

2,076

3,627

602,871

2,076

$1,410,421

60

4,763

4,547

Field Programs

329,505

648,431

943,344

Field Support and Logistics

189,137

245,512

303,645

Management and Administrative

227,952

84,008

107,101

Total Expenditures

746,654

982,714

1,358,637

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

-143,783

(980,638)

51,784

Net Assets Beginning of Year

(336,003)

20,214

(342,284)

-479,786

(960,424)

$(290,500)

2005

2006

2,169

2,169

833

44,217

46,340

49,020

282,147

48,509

49,853

9,345

23,377

11,435

19,111

10,640

177,000

362,139

306,138

73,498

198

1983

261,933

390,793

40,353

20,214

(342,284)

(290,500)

282,147

$48,509

$49,853

Revenues Contributions Other Revenues Total Revenues Expenditures Advertising and Promotion

Net Assets

*$500,000 of the 2005 revenues were received on December 31, 2004.

Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2006

2004

Assets Cash Investments Net Fixed Assets Total Assets

235,761

Liabilities Bank Loans Accrued Interest Notes Payable Due to Related Party Total Liabilities Net Assets  Total Liabilities and Net Assets

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In the News The U.S. DOI and the Government of Guatemala Sign Memorandum of Understanding "Important archaeological findings in this region, led by Idaho State University archaeologist Dr. Richard Hansen, have re-written the history of Maya civilization, pushing their history back by 1,000 years."

DOI Press Release

The Mission for Mirador "... with [the] development of a viable national park with limited access there is a high potential for sustainable preservation, tourism, and economic development."

PrivateAir Magazine

Into the Wild "Beneath the jungle canopy lay the ruins of El Mirador, the largest city ever built ever built by the Mayan Indians. And beneath our feet - the giant mound of rock and earth we just climbed - was La Danta, the largest pyramid in the world."

The Waterbury Observer

The History of Maya’s Jungle Heart Dr. Hansen's "vision is to save the Mirador Basin by turning the area into a tourist attraction run by the local community." He states "if the Mirador Basin doesn't get UNESCO heritage protection and logging is allowed to continue, the forest will disappear in front of our eyes and the precious ruins within it will be destroyed."

The Observer

Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto Now Gibson was "captivated by the ancient Maya, one of the hemisphere’s great civilizations" and was "inspired in large part by his work with the Mirador Basin Project, an effort to preserve a large swath of the Guatemalan rain forest and its Maya ruins."

Time Magazine 24

FARES President consults on Apocalypto In 2006, Mel Gibson’s movie Apocalypto was released. The film was heralded RICHARD D. HANSEN

as an “epic” (New York Times) and was celebrated with three Oscar nominations.

Apocalypto was a fictional story about a man’s journey, and an ancient culture that ‘destroys itself from within.’ The film drew powerful methaphoric parallels between an ancient civilization and our own modern society, including the conspicuous consumption of natural resources, and the consequences of subsequent environmental degradation.

FARES President, Dr. Richard Hansen, served as a primary set, scene, and RICHARD D. HANSEN

costume consultant on Apocalypto, and contributed to the many “arresting images” (T.V. Guide) that dominated the screen.

Mirador Conservation Specialist Receives National Award On December 15, 2006, Enrique Monterroso-Tun of the Mirador Basin Project was awarded the National Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (Orden Nacional del Patrimonio Cultural de Guatemala) by the President of Guatemala. This award, one of Guatemala’s highest honors, is bestowed upon individuals whose work has enhanced the country’s cultural patrimony via archaeology, anthropology, conservation, science, and/or the study of indigenous and living cultures.

Monterroso-Tun, born and raised in the Petén, Guatemala,

has

been

instrumental

in

the

made significant contributions at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Tikal (Guatemala), Mixco Viejo, (Guatemala), Quirigua (Guatemala), and Copan (Honduras), as well as at the UNESCO Tentative List sites of Takalik Abaj (Guatemala) and the Mirador Basin (Guatemala).

Monterroso-Tun and Project staff.

archaeological sites. Over the past 48 years he has

COURTESY OF THE MIRADOR BASIN PROJECT

consolidation and restoration of numerous Maya

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Partners Our work in the Mirador Basin would not be possible without the dedication, passion, and vision of our partners.

Global Heritage Fund (GHF) www.globalheritagefund.org Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) www.pacunam.org The Government of Guatemala www.guatemala.gob.gt U.S. Department of the Interior, International Techincal Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP) www.doi.gov/intl/itap/ Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) www.visitguatemala.com Institute of Anthropology and History of Guatemala (IDAEH) www.mcd.gob.gt Ministry of Culture and Sports (MICUDE) www.mcd.gob.gt Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (APANAC) http://apanac.org.gt Counterpart International www.counterpart.org National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP) http://conap.gob.gt Community Association of Natural and Cultural Tourism (ACTUNAC) http://apanac.org.gt Community Association for the Sustainable Development of San Andres, Peten (ACODESSA) Carmelita Community Tourism Committee (CCTC)

2006 Board of Directors Dr. Richard D. Hansen, Ph.D

Executive Director (FARES) Merrill Lynch

James C. Woods

Mel Gibson

Vice President (FARES) Director of the Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho

Executive Director (FARES) Icon Productions

Kerry L. Arritt, CPA

Dr. Herbert D.G. Maschner, Ph.D.

Secretary- Treasurer (FARES) Anderson Neilson Arritt CPAs

Fernando Paiz Executive Director (FARES) Wal-Mart Central America PACUNAM

Advisory Board Francois Berger President, APANAC

Dr. Michael Coe Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, Yale University

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Wayne Hepworth

President (FARES) Idaho State University

Executive Director (FARES) Idaho State University

Leland S. McCullough Executive Director and Legal Counsel (FARES) Callister, Nebeker, and McCullough

Wayne K. Howell Executive Director (FARES) U.S. National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park

Jody Lynn Hansen Secretary (FARES)

Thank you Thank you to all of you who have contributed to the Mirador Basin and its success.

Without your contribution and support the Mirador Basin and all of its cultural and natural treasures would surely have been lost.

Your support is vitally important and greatly appreciated.

A special thanks to Global Heritage Fund (GHF) Fundación Patrimonio Cultural y Natural Maya (PACUNAM) Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemela (APANAC) and The Foundation for Free Expression In addition, we would like to recognize all of the individual sponsors who support FARES through these organizations and independently.

Mirador Basin Patrons Banco Industrial, Cementos Progreso, Cerveceria Centroamericana, Daniel K. Thorne Foundation, David Graham, Francois and Nini Berger, Franklin and Catherine Johnson Foundation, Fundación Carlos F. Novella, Fundación Pantaleón, Iona Benson, Joe Habie/Aldan S.A., Larry Porter, Paiz Foundation, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, MSST Foundation, Townshend Family Foundation, Wal-Mart Central America, Wallace Foundation, Wolf Creek Foundation.

Friends of the Mirador Basin Paula Atwood, Nancy H. Baxter, Sharon Belkin, Bill and Cheryl Bennett, Charles and Carol Blackwood, Mary McDevitt Brown, Kathryn Burg, Ben Castricone, Lowell and Patsy Chamberlain, Eunice M. Childs, Marc Chips – A.M.S. Inc., Tim Choate, Carl Cooper, John and Marlys Cybulski, Bob and Maria Gease, John and Patricia Hansen, Richard and Lynn Kelson, Patricia Lockhart, Bill and Ann Lucas, Cynthia Luce, Jeffrey and Tondra Lynford, Alec and Gail Merriam, Ann Ruffer, Colleen Searle, Evelyn Stern, William and Cecilia Taylor, Laney and Pasha Thornton, Elizabeth Welty, Roger and Nancy Williams.

FARES also appreciates the efforts of the following organizations

Balam Association, Google, History Channel, National Geographic, UNESCO Guatemala, and Wildlife Conservation Society.

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FARES 164 West 400 North Rupert, ID 83350, USA miradorbasin@gmail.com www.miradorbasin.com Front Cover - Top: Charles D. Bieber. Bottom (left to right): Matthew A. White, Matthew A. White, Richard D. Hansen, Meredith W. Skeff