Throughout Guatemala, communities are suffering the impacts of climate change. Severe decreases in rainfall with sporadic heavy rains erode precious topsoil causing crop failure. In the community of Chixolop, in the department of Baja Verapaz, the aquifer is drying up. Each household receives only 50 gallons of potable water every 15 days forcing families to buy water from neighboring villages. The mountains that were once lush with flora and fauna are now sparsely forested and dry.
Climate-induced migration is a serious problem. Guatemalans risk everything to cross Northern borders in order to support their families back home. The perilous journey separates generations of Guatemalans from their families, their culture and their land.
To mitigate the impacts of climate change we launched a pilot program to build the first Sand Dam in Guatemala. This highly effective technology for capturing rainwater comes to us from Africa via Honduras. A reinforced cement wall is built across the width of a dry river bed or ravine. When it rains, sand is captured behind the wall and rainwater is held subterraneously between the grains of sand, thus protecting it from evaporation and contamination. This water can then be gravity fed to the community water tank or agricultural fields.
The goal of the Sand Dam Project is to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to provide water to the community. Sand dams capture rainwater, replenish aquifers, protect natural springs, conserve soil and reforest watersheds. They provide habitat and food for wild animals, water for gardens and for livestock as well as for domestic consumption. The benefits go beyond this to include the creation of public green space, a community tree nursery, environmental education in schools, all while increasing consciousness and fostering community leadership.
In December 2019 we inaugurated the construction of the Sand Dam! Check out the video above to see how the community of Chixolop pulled together to address the severe droughts and extreme weather that is causing their wells to dry up and crop failure. If you would like to make a donation to support the construction of a second sand dam in 2021 please click here.