The Much’ Kanan K’aax reserve is located in the Mayan jungle and covers 1,230 hectares of land in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The name is a Mayan expression meaning “Together we take care of the jungle”. More than 200 Mayan community members own and take care of the land. Each member is expected to do their part to ensure the health of the jungle, while earning a viable income from the land. It is sectioned off into various areas used for chicle tree farming, honey cultivation, ecotourism, agriculture, reforestation and conservation. It is a source for the community to make a living. The hope is to one day certify the area for sale of carbon credits, with the assistance of REDD+. The program’s expressed focus is to slow climate change by paying communities to stop deforestation and maintain forest lands like Much’ Kanan K’aax. There is uncertainty on how this program would help, but the community hopes to create a balance in maintaining a tradition of respect for the forest while obtaining a profitable outcome.
