Love and respect for life - Defensores de la Naturaleza Foundation (Defenders of Nature) is an organization devoted to the preservation and sustainable management of Guatemala’s natural heritage. The work of Defensores contributes to the development of social and economic capital of the Mesoamerican Region based on the sustainable use of its natural resources. The members of the Foundation are outstanding citizens who have been working together since 1983. Since that time, Defensores has contributed to the preservation of an estimated 80% of the species of flora and fauna recorded for Guatemala.

Defensores’ objectives are to:

- Promote respect for nature and sustainable use of natural resources
  in order to enlist affected human populations in active conservation.

- Promote the establishment, administration and management of
  natural protected areas.

- Promote the enactment and enforcement of legislation that will
  contribute to the protection of Guatemala’s biodiversity.

- Establish a network of information, documentation, and references
  for scientific and educational use.

- Stimulate and support the initiatives of other organizations and
  institutions that are involved in the conservation and sustainable
  use of the environment.