Our Impact

Wellkind’s core programs—ecological reforestation, agroforestry, environmental education, and a native seed bank—all revolve around our aim to be the premier organization working for the ecological health and conservation of natural resources in Lake Atitlán and the Western Highlands of Guatemala. We are dedicated to supporting communities in conserving natural resources, preserving ecological and indigenous knowledge, and fostering leadership, awareness, and economic development within an ecological framework.

Throughout Wellkind’s operations, we have continuously refined our programs based on needs identified by our local team. We evaluate each program by:

1. Conducting surveys in the communities where we operate to assess interest in various programs

2. Analyzing community feedback to understand the desired changes in specific neighborhoods

3. Performing follow-up surveys after project implementation to ensure our results align with the community’s needs

This methodology ensures that we are taking steps toward our mission of creating a more prosperous future for the people and nature of the Lake Atitlán watershed. 

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED SO FAR:

• Planted over 85,000 native wood and fruit trees that provide food for local people and will sequester more than 2K tons of CO2 each year—the equivalent of taking over 300 cars off the road! 

• Reforested 7 local natural water springs in 3 different communities, providing villages with potable water and ensuring the longevity of the spring and water flow for local people to use

• Created the first native tree nursery of Tzununá, with over 10,000 trees in its first year, to provide easy access to high-quality trees within the community

• Reached over 175 local youth through our environmental education program

• Provided environmentally-focused workshops and tree planting training to over 550 adults 

• Used fruit trees and food forest systems to create a grey water treatment system to prevent contaminated water from flowing into the rivers and from there into Lake Atitlán 

Brighter Future

"My whole neighborhood has been transformed in the last year. Everyone here now has fruit trees on their land, and we exchange our produce amongst ourselves. All I want is a better future for my kids, and I believe that reforestation is a key part of that vision for a healthier future."  - Catalina Tepaz Sipac

Across programs, we continuously monitor our impact through: 

• Utilizing beneficiary interviews and GPS mapping for site tracking

• Using the Most Significant Change Narrative tool for quantitative data 

• Tracking and reevaluating our Working Theory of Change 

• Conducting species density, water retention, and carbon capture studies 

• Tracking quantitative metrics such as funding and program outcomes

Our programs advance reforestation, water conservation, and environmental education, all of which protect the natural resources of Lake Atitlán while enhancing water and food security.