Title
Pinabete : one opportunity toward the sustainable development of the Guatemalan Highlands.
Abstract
This paper first provides a general survey of Guatemala, investigating historical, economic,
social and political trends within the country. Then, the paper analyzes the management of
pinabete, an endangered Guatemalan fir (Abies guatemalensis). The cultivation of this species is
being promoted by the environmental agencies of Guatemala in effort to alleviate pressure upon
the few remaining natural forested stands. This species is highly sought after for use as a
Christmas tree during the holiday season. A financial analysis is conducted in the final section
of this paper that investigates three different cultivation systems for this threatened species. The
financial analysis of these three cultivation systems indicates that the commercialization of this
species can be considered a financially efficient cropping alternative for farmers of the
Guatemalan Highlands. Moreover, the incorporation of pinabete into a farmer’s cultivation
system assists in the conservation of this species, promotes soil conservation and enables farmers
to diversify their revenue sources. The combination of income generation, inclusion of
marginalized people, and natural resource conservation is key to the sustainable development of
the Guatemalan Highlands.
Suggested Citation
Ignosh, John Paul; Kilgore, Michael A..
(2005).
Pinabete : one opportunity toward the sustainable development of the Guatemalan Highlands..
University of Minnesota.
Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
https://hdl.handle.net/11299/37713.