Connecting nature, wildlife and communities for a more sustainable world
Ya’axché Institute for Conservation Education (YICE) is the driving force behind Ya’axché Conservation Trust’s sustainable financing initiatives established in 2014. Our goal is to generate revenue that supports Ya’axché’s vital conservation and community development work in the Toledo District.
Funding Conservation Through Sustainable Practices
YICE consists of Ecotourism Belize and a plant nursery. Ecotourism Belize provides tours, group experiential learning programs, transportation services, merchandise, rustic bunkhouse accommodations and camping grounds, while the nursery sells organic fruit and timber seedlings.
Minimizing Impact, Maximizing Conservation
YICE promotes exemplary models for sustainable tourism and development in the Toledo district by creating transformative experiences with nature and local communities. These experiences have been carefully designed to provide an authentic experience while minimizing environmental impact. All proceeds are directly reinvested in ongoing conservation efforts within the Maya Golden Landscape.
Meet the team
Ymanoli Garcia brings a unique blend of passion and business acumen to her role. Leveraging her educational background, she oversees the implementation, management, and improvement of YICE’s initiatives. Driven by a deep appreciation for wildlife, nature, and local communities, Ymanoli’s primary focus is ensuring YICE’s initiatives generate sustainable funding for Ya’axché’s conservation and community development work. An adventurer and nature enthusiast at heart, Ymanoli thrives at the intersection of business, environmental stewardship and supporting local livelihoods.
Petrona Coc wears many hats at YICE. Her diverse experience spans tourism, community enterprises, and nursery keeping. She provides administrative support to YICE. Petrona’s dedication ensures the Golden Stream property is impeccably maintained. Petrona’s passion extends beyond housekeeping. She thrives on interacting with guests, sharing her knowledge of the area as a certified tour guide, and ensuring each visitor has an exceptional experience.
Estevan, an advocate for sustainable agroforestry practices and climate-smart agriculture, brings a deep well of knowledge to his role. Leading his team, he empowers indigenous communities in the Maya Golden Landscape to adopt sustainable practices and diversify their income through eco-based enterprises. Fuelled by a love for the outdoors, he eagerly shares the wonders of the Maya Golden Landscape with visitors. Estevan understands the critical link between healthy forests and prosperous communities to sustain livelihoods and a beneficial environment.
Ramon, a certified guide and ranger, helps protect the Maya Golden Landscape. He uses his patrolling experience to share insights with visitors. An avid outdoorsman, Ramon enjoys birding, hiking, and wildlife identification, especially through tracks. His skills in navigation and orienteering make him a valuable guide. Passionate about sharing nature’s wonders, he thrives working with curious visitors.
Rosendo, a certified guide and ranger, brings a wealth of knowledge to YICE ecotours. An expert in tracking animals and identifying birds, he is passionate about sharing his love of southern Belize’s nature and his cultural heritage with visitors. Whether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, or canoeing, Rosendo’s enthusiasm for unique adventures awaits you.
Miguel Coc is a landscaper with magic hands for plants and grafting. Miguel ensures that the nursery is always stocked with thousands of fruits and native timber tree species. He assists with the day-to-day operations of the nursery, providing customer service and support to the Ya’axché Institute for Conservation Education, YICE.
Community at Core
YICE partners with local farmers and women’s groups to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
This collaboration is supported by Ya’axché Conservation Trust, our parent organization. We provide trainings, resources and technical assistance to our community partners, helping them grow their skills and businesses. By working together, we ensure that our tours benefit both visitors and local communities, fostering a sustainable economic future for the Maya Golden Landscape.
WOMEN'S GROUPS
YICE proudly supports women who are actively involved in the development of their communities. These women’s groups have created businesses featuring cultural traditions such as basket weaving, cuxtal (Maya bag) weaving, chocolate making, calabash carving, sugarcane extraction, and open fire hearth cooking of traditional Maya meals.
YICE collaborates with the Maya Rose Women’s Group, Akte’il Ha Women’s Group, Ancient Maya Catering Service, Marigold Women’s Cooperative and Maya Arts Women’s group, and Junajpú Chocolate.
farmers
YICE partners with farmers to provide Eco Farm Tours and Cacao Farm Tours.
Our partners interact with guests, sharing their knowledge of sustainable farming practices.
YICE collaborates with Mr. Hubert Kus, Mr. Santiago Cus, Mr. Agustin Chub, Mr. Manuel Coc, Mr. Pablo Maquin Sr. & Mr. Orlando Cucul.
