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Archaeological work in Peten
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1Non-profit research dedicated to the scientific study of humanity and environment through conservation, education, and responsible development.
F A R E S2006 | ANNUAL REPORT
Foundation for the Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies
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Editor: Meredith Skeff Design: Elise Seingier
Printing: Burley Reminder Printing
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About Us
FARES 4
The Mirador Basin 5
Letter from the President 6
2006 Developments
U.S. DOI Involvement in the Mirador Basin 8
The Guatemalan Government and the Mirador Basin 10
FARES and Gateway Communities 12
2006 Archaeological Projects 14
Mirador Basin Biological Studies 20
Technology at Work in the Mirador Basin 21
Financials 23
In the News 24
Partners 26
Thank You 27
Table of Contents
4
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.
FARES | Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies
5
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 Petén (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
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
8
2006 | US DOI Involvement
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).
Carlo
s Fio
n, E
xecu
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Secr
etar
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the
Pres
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cy,
Dirk
Kem
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f the
Inte
rior,
and
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opez
, Dire
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of G
uate
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Mirador DOI-ITAP team includes specialists in the areas of:
· Civil Engineering· Community Development · Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) · Landscape Architecture· Law Enforcement
· Organizational Development · Protected Areas Planning· Tourism and Ecotourism· Transportation · Visitor Education and Orientation· Visitor Management
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with
the
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OI
In 2007, the DOI plans to coordinate with the Government of Guatemala, localcommunities, 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. · Update Park Master Plan with the Guatemalan government.
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2006 | Guatemalan GovernmentThe 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
economic, social, and cultural incentives to save the Mirador Basin.
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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US GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Assistant to Senator Patrick Leahy of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations
Mission Director and Former Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Public Affairs Officer, United States Embassy, Guatemala
Representatives from the Department of the InteriorInternational 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)
Presidential Commisioner of the Petén
Presidential Commissioner of Tourism
2006 | Official Visits to MiradorNON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & FOUNDATIONS
Balam Association, Guatemala
Carlos F. Novella Foundation, Guatemala
Conservation International, USA
Counterpart International, USA
Enlace Quiche, Guatemala
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)
National Geographic
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2006 | Gateway CommunitiesOne 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.”Dr. Richard Hansen
The Waterbury Observer, February 2006
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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Literacy Programs
Literacy classes for project workmen have been an
integral component of camp activity in the Mirador
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
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,
and Uaxactun.
The AOK Foundation equipped the computers
with Spanish programs, and provided initial
instructions to local teachers.
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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.
2006 | Archaeological Projects
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
Tintal Tintal-Mirador Causeway Test pitting of selected plazas
Preliminary exploration, salvage excava-tions, and mapping were conducted in the following ancient cities:
La TortugaEl LaurelLa IcoteaLos ChuntosEl LechugalEl DesencantoTamazulLa Llorona
Excavation of the east mask on Structure 34.
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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.
Excavations revealed previously
unknown masks, Preclassic art
formats, stairways, and architectural
design on the building.
Archaeology | Highlights
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
modest occupations, over 700 years after
La Danta had been abandoned, residents
constructed living residences, sweat
baths, and perhaps market facilities for
pilgrimages.
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.
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La Danta’s south wall.
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
efforts were performed on Pava
during the 2006 field season,
exposing stone and stucco
architecture, artwork, and
stairways. The ultimate goal for
this Preclassic pyramid is to
expose the façade, and
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
Mirador Basin.
Dedicatory cache discovered in the Cascabel Complex.
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Reconstructed Preclassic bowl from dedicatory cache.
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Above: Exposed mask and panels on La Pava. Below: Artist’s depiction of mask and panels in original state.
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Structure 34Middle Preclassic Artwork Discovered Under Structure 34
During the 2006 field season, exploration
continued on a buried structure located under
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
in remarkably good condition, and is marked
with beautifully preserved red, black, and
cream paint.
Portion of Preclassic deity mask.
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Structure 34, the Jaguar Paw Temple.
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Artist depiction of deity mask and panels on Structure 34-Sub1.
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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
meters (20 feet) by 6 meters (20 feet).
Examination of collapsed roof on Structure 313.
Polycarbonate roofing system and viewing stand.
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Monument 1, La Muerta.
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Artist’s depiction of one of the Late Preclassic building stages of Structure 313.
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
will be emphasized as a tourist attraction in El Mirador.
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New Mirador Basin Cities | Preliminary Exploration
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
miles) of the Tintal-Mirador causeway, stretching from the
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.
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.
150) presence in these cities and an additional Late Classic (600 – 800 A.D.) occupation.
Excavation of Tintal-Mirador Causeway.
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Structure in the newly explored city of Tamazul.
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In late 2005, with the sponsorship of FARES
and the Del Valle University, Cesar
Castañeda (Director of the Department of
Agroforestry at Del Valle University,
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
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
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
understanding of the area’s biology and
environmental history, and will lay the
foundation for future studies of
contemporary Mirador Basin flora and fauna.
2006 | Biological Studies
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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
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
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
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
are able to chart historic changes in
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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Financials
As of December 31, 2006 2004 2005 2006
Revenues
Contributions 602,871 1,118,140* 1,406,794
Other Revenues 2,076 3,627
Total Revenues 602,871 2,076 $1,410,421
Expenditures
Advertising and Promotion 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)
Net Assets -479,786 (960,424) $(290,500)
Income Statement
Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2006 2004 2005 2006
Assets
Cash 235,761
Investments 2,169 2,169 833
Net Fixed Assets 44,217 46,340 49,020
Total Assets 282,147 48,509 49,853
Liabilities
Bank Loans 9,345 23,377
Accrued Interest 11,435 19,111 10,640
Notes Payable 177,000 362,139 306,138
Due to Related Party 73,498 198 1983
Total Liabilities 261,933 390,793 40,353
Net Assets 20,214 (342,284) (290,500)
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 282,147 $48,509 $49,853
*$500,000 of the 2005 revenues were received on December 31, 2004.
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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
In the News
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FARES President consults on Apocalypto
In 2006, Mel Gibson’s movie Apocalypto was released. The film was heralded
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
costume consultant on Apocalypto, and contributed to the many “arresting
images” (T.V. Guide) that dominated the screen.
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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.
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Monterroso-Tun, born and raised in the Petén,
Guatemala, has been instrumental in the
consolidation and restoration of numerous Maya
archaeological sites. Over the past 48 years he has
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).
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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)
Partners
Dr. Richard D. Hansen, Ph.DPresident (FARES)Idaho State University
James C. WoodsVice President (FARES)Director of the Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho
Kerry L. Arritt, CPASecretary- Treasurer (FARES)Anderson Neilson Arritt CPAs
Fernando PaizExecutive Director (FARES)Wal-Mart Central AmericaPACUNAM
2006 Board of Directors
Francois BergerPresident, APANAC
Dr. Michael CoeProfessor Emeritus of Anthropology, Yale University
Advisory Board
Leland S. McCulloughExecutive Director and Legal Counsel (FARES)Callister, Nebeker, and McCullough
Wayne K. HowellExecutive Director (FARES)U.S. National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park
Jody Lynn HansenSecretary (FARES)
Wayne HepworthExecutive Director (FARES)Merrill Lynch
Mel GibsonExecutive Director (FARES)Icon Productions
Dr. Herbert D.G. Maschner, Ph.D.Executive Director (FARES)Idaho State University
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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 andnatural 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.
Thank you
FARES164 West 400 North Rupert, ID 83350, [email protected]
Front Cover - Top: Charles D. Bieber. Bottom (left to right): Matthew A. White, Matthew A. White, Richard D. Hansen, Meredith W. Skeff