GUATEMALA

Natün was born in 2005 as a humanitarian response to Hurricane Stan, which devastated Indigenous communities around Lake Atitlán. What began as emergency relief gradually evolved into a long-term commitment to justice and well-being. In 2018, Natün became a Guatemalan association led by Indigenous community members dedicated to creating lasting, systemic change.

Natün’s work is guided by six core pillars: human rights, leadership, cultural relevance, gender equity, environmental stewardship, and partnerships. Across education, health and nutrition, and economic development, all programs are rooted in Maya ancestral knowledge and practices.

One flagship initiative, Improving Family Nutrition Through Ancestral Farming, has already established more than 300 family gardens and six community gardens. These efforts have benefited over 1,500 people and led to a 33% improvement in nutrition among families with fully established gardens.

Building on this success, Natün is now deepening its work in four rural communities, focusing on families with children at nutritional risk. Through training in agroecology, crop diversification, and nutrition—along with strengthened seed banks and local seed exchanges—the project is reinforcing food security, climate resilience, and long-term well-being for Maya families.