Interview with Cristina Coc, Q’eqcui Maya community leader, Belize

Why do forests matter to you?

Forests matter because it is the home to many indigenous peoples globally including the Q’eqchi and Mopan Maya of Southern Belize. As forest dwelling, forest dependent people, our entire identity, livelihood and spirituality comes from the sacred Tzul-Taqua (mountains and the valleys). The forest is a sacred element, as is the water, air and earth. We source everything from the forest to make our shelters, our medicine, plant and grow our food. 

It is in the Forest that we teach our children of our practices, beliefs, language, values and cosmovision. The forest matters to me because it is the sacred gift from the creator to sustain our lives, grow our corn and beans, and raise our children.

Forest People Portraits no. 3/2022

Read the full interview in English