The Quiacquix community in Totonicapán has maintained an ancestral commitment: to protect the land, preserve wildlife, and pass on knowledge from generation to generation. Cristóbal Miguel Tomás Álvarez and Manuel Barreno Menchú are two of the forest rangers who work tirelessly every day to safeguard this legacy, an important task that combines tradition, responsibility, and a vision for the future.
A Legacy Passed Down Through Generations
Cristóbal, who has been a forest ranger for decades, recalls how his connection to the forest began in his childhood. His father and grandfather guided him along the forest trails, showing him its richness and teaching him to care for it. “My grandfather used to say, ‘This forest gives us oxygen, water, and life. It is our duty to protect it,’” Cristóbal recounts.
Since then, Cristóbal has dedicated his life to preserving the trees and medicinal herbs that the forest offers, patrolling it and educating others about its importance. “The forest is not just a source of resources; it is a gift from God that we must caretake for future generations,” he adds.
Manuel, another forest ranger from Quiacquix, emphasizes the community’s role in passing on knowledge. “Our grandparents taught us to respect the forest and its resources. Now, as a community, we have a Board of Directors that guides us in protecting this heritage, and we teach our children to value what we have,” he explains.
The flora and fauna of the forest, with its ancient trees and wild animals, are a treasure that Manuel wants to preserve. “There is wildlife here that we must protect. We teach young people that it’s not right to hunt animals; we need to safeguard the balance of nature so that the forest continues to be a refuge for life,” he comments.
A Sustainable Future for Quiacquix
Both forest rangers dream of a future when the forest is not only a conservation space but also a source of economic opportunities for the community. Manuel hopes that the community park will grow and offer more services to visitors, generating income that will allow them to improve the infrastructure and tackle problems such as fires and pests.
However, the challenges are substantial. The community faces fires during the dry season, so it is necessary to have resources to maintain the forest. Despite this, Cristóbal and Manuel are determined to continue their work. “We want future generations to continue taking care of the forest with the same love that we do. Here in the forest is life,” affirms Manuel.

Cristóbal and Manuel’s story reflects the power of collective work and the importance of supporting community initiatives that combine tradition and sustainability. Posting this story not only highlights the impact of the actions implemented by the Utz Che’ Association, with financial support from Jotay Guatemala, but also inspires us to value and protect the natural resources that sustain life in our communities.