The Maya Forest is a Garden

We often think of the Maya forest as untouched by humans, or “virgin forest.” Contrary to this common perception, the Maya Forest is the product of thousands of years of  “select and grow” management. The majority of plants in the forest have known human uses and benefits, indicating significant influence from local peoples as they evolved with the landscape.

The Maya forest, like other wooded areas of Mesoamerica, has been structured by the milpa cycle, the fundamental agroforestry and resource management strategy of the ancient and contemporary Maya.