1Non-profit research dedicated to the scientific study of humanity and environment through conservation, education, and responsible development.

F A R E S2006 | ANNUAL REPORT

Foundation for the Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies

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Editor: Meredith Skeff Design: Elise Seingier

Printing: Burley Reminder Printing

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About Us

FARES 4

The Mirador Basin 5

Letter from the President 6

2006 Developments

U.S. DOI Involvement in the Mirador Basin 8

The Guatemalan Government and the Mirador Basin 10

FARES and Gateway Communities 12

2006 Archaeological Projects 14

Mirador Basin Biological Studies 20

Technology at Work in the Mirador Basin 21

Financials 23

In the News 24

Partners 26

Thank You 27

Table of Contents

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The Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) is a non-profit

organization dedicated to conducting scientific research on ancient and contemporary societies

and their related environments. Our organization is committed to utilizing cultural and ecological

data for the conservation and development of threatened areas, and to promote education in local

communities. FARES is currently working in close collaboration with the government of Guatemala,

and with numerous foundations and institutions throughout the world.

FARES is a non-profit 501 (c) (3), a scientific research institution and public charity formed in

January, 1996 (Federal I.D. #82-0486235) and is under statutes 509 (a) (1) of the IRS code.

Principle Objectives

1) To conduct scientific, multi-disciplinary, archaeological research and environmental

studies in northern Guatemala’s Mirador Basin. FARES is the primary sponsor of the

Mirador Basin Project, which is currently exploring the origins, dynamics, and demise of

early Maya civilization in the region.

2) To preserve the tropical forest in northern Guatemala and the Mesoamerican Lowlands.

Through the establishment of sustainable conservation programs, such as world-class

archaeological parks and natural preserves, these forests have the ability to provide new

economic benefits to the surrounding communities and the Republic of Guatemala.

3) To establish and assist educational and vocational development programs in local

communities. Programs focus on sustainable agricultural techniques, forestry and

reforestation, eco-tourism and tourist services, wilderness and national monument

management, financial management, literacy, and health.

FARES | Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies

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The Mirador Basin

The Mirador Basin exists as one of Central America’s greatest treasures. This culturally and

biologically rich area is located in the northern-most region of the Petén (Guatemala) and southern

Campeche (Mexico), in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. At over 525,000 acres, the Mirador

Basin (Guatemala) offers extensive habitat to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several

World Conservation Union (IUCN) identified endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened species. In

addition to a striking biological diversity, the Mirador Basin is marked by the earliest and largest

Preclassic Maya cities in known in Mesoamerica. These cities are filled with massive constructions

including pyramids, temples, palaces, causeways, and other remnants of a highly evolved and

complex society. Mirador Basin discoveries have led experts to identify this area as the Cradle of

Maya Civilization.

The FARES Foundation is committed to investigating and saving the Mirador Basin, and is currently

collaborating with the Guatemalan government, local communities, and international organizations

and governments to ensure the preservation and protection of this exceptional area.

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Letter from the President

Dear Friends of the Mirador Basin,

I am proud to announce that the successes of 2006 have been some

of the most important and exciting in the history of FARES. Your

funding, combined with the passion and dedication of our partners

and staff, has enabled us to achieve unprecedented success in the

areas of conservation, investigation, and sustainable community

development.

Within the Mirador Basin, important new archaeological and natural discoveries have

marked the 2006 field season. In addition to these scientific breakthroughs, many pivotal

developments have occurred outside of the Basin. New partnerships have been forged with

governments (including the U.S. Department of the Interior), organizations, foundations, and

individuals, which are serving to strengthen conservation and development efforts in the

Mirador area. Additionally, the Guatemalan government has spearheaded new initiatives to

promote communication and collaboration regarding the Mirador Basin and its future. These

new forums are helping to provide meaningful solutions to issues that have challenged the

region for years, and represent the first time in history that many of these parties have united

together under a common cause. Developments and collaborations such as these bring us hope

that we can still protect the Mirador Basin from a potentially devastating future.

Our vision to assist with the creation of a road-less, cultural and natural preserve is gaining

momentum, and your support has been critical to moving us towards this goal. In 2006, the

Mirador Basin archaeological and scientific field season ran for over six months, nearly

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doubling the efforts of previous years, and bringing us the closest we have ever been to conducting

year-round research. Our work to conserve and consolidate the ancient Maya cities within the

Mirador Basin is a fundamental step to saving the last expanse of tropical forest in Central

America. It is our belief that these ancient cities, when combined with the development of

sustainable and responsible eco-tourism, will stimulate local economies and provide the

economic justification for the Mirador Basin’s preservation.

The value of the Mirador Basin is incalculable, and we are in a race against time to save its

forests and the treasures that lay within them. In addition to offering precious habitat to

countless creatures, the Basin also gives us the opportunity to learn about ourselves – who we

are, where we came from, and what may happen if we do not protect our environment. I would

like to personally extend an invitation to each of you to come to the Mirador Basin, the Cradle

of Maya Civilization, to see for yourself the magnificent cities, pyramids, and pristine forests

that together we can save.

On behalf of FARES, I would like to express my gratitude for your generous support of our

project.

Sincerely,

Richard D. Hansen

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2006 | US DOI Involvement

United States Department of the Interior Signs Agreements with Guatemalan Government

In 2006, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Government of Guatemala made a

landmark decision to begin collaborative work on the conservation of Guatemala’s natural and cultural

resources. The DOI’s International Technical Assistance Program (ITAP) has committed to providing ten

years of expertise to the Guatemalan government, and will serve as a key technical advisor on the

management of protected areas and the development of sustainable tourism.

This new intergovernmental partnership has served as a critical development for FARES and the Mirador

Basin Project. DOI-ITAP programs have been launched with a primary focus on sustainable tourism

development and conservation in the Mirador Basin. Since June 2006, the DOI-ITAP team has been

involved with training programs, technical assistance, and active on-site participation. These efforts have

been sponsored with funding from DOI, FARES, and Global Heritage Fund (GHF).

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Mirador DOI-ITAP team includes specialists in the areas of:

· Civil Engineering· Community Development · Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) · Landscape Architecture· Law Enforcement

· Organizational Development · Protected Areas Planning· Tourism and Ecotourism· Transportation · Visitor Education and Orientation· Visitor Management

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In 2007, the DOI plans to coordinate with the Government of Guatemala, localcommunities, and key non-governmental organizations, on the following projects:

· Design and construct a visitor center in El Mirador.· Assist in the development basic visitor infrastructure at El Mirador, Tintal, and La Florida including lodging, kitchen and dining areas, bathrooms, and control booths.· Design and install interpretive panels for visitors.· Enhance fire management strategy and provide equipment.· Strengthen and equip security forces.· Develop mid-high level inter-agency strategies.· Train field staff and personnel. · Design and install water cisterns. · Develop park access and transportation options. · Work on community tourism development. · Update Park Master Plan with the Guatemalan government.

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2006 | Guatemalan GovernmentThe Guatemalan Government and the Mirador Basin

Throughout 2006, the Guatemalan government has been highly involved in promoting the Mirador Basin

and its preservation. In addition to working with the project directly, governmental representatives have been

instrumental in forming numerous collaborations and partnerships – both within Guatemala and

internationally. National developments in 2006 included the establishment of monthly Multi-Sector

Roundtable Discussions (Mesas Multisectoriales). These discussions, initiated on October 25 by the Office

of the Presidency of Guatemala and associated governmental agencies, offer local, national, and international

leaders a forum in which they can address the conservation and development needs for the Mirador Basin

and the surrounding area. Initiatives such as these increase communication and collaboration, and establish

economic, social, and cultural incentives to save the Mirador Basin.

UNESCO Guatemala Promotes the Mirador Basin

In 2006, major steps were taken by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) Guatemala to make the Mirador Basin a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

In a 2006 news release, UNESCO Guatemala stated that the nomination of the Basin, which has

been on the UNESCO Tentative List since 1998, now “constitutes one of the priorities of the State

of Guatemala.” Representatives from UNESCO Guatemala visited the Basin on several occasions

throughout 2005 and 2006, and in 2006 UNESCO Guatemala formed a technical multi-disciplinary

committee, and hosted multiple workshops; these initiatives are intended to promote the

nomination of the Mirador Basin for World Heritage status.

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US GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Assistant to Senator Patrick Leahy of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations

Mission Director and Former Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Public Affairs Officer, United States Embassy, Guatemala

Representatives from the Department of the InteriorInternational Technical Assistance Program (DOI -ITAP)

United States Ambassador to Guatemala

GUATEMALAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Assistant to the Secretary of the Presidency

Director of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT)

General Director and representatives from the Institute of Anthropology and History of Guatemala (IDAEH)

Guatemalan Ambassador to the United States

Representatives from the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP)

President of the Institute of Recreation for Workers of the Private Sector of Guatemala (IRTRA)

Presidential Commisioner of the Petén

Presidential Commissioner of Tourism

2006 | Official Visits to MiradorNON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & FOUNDATIONS

Balam Association, Guatemala

Carlos F. Novella Foundation, Guatemala

Conservation International, USA

Counterpart International, USA

Enlace Quiche, Guatemala

Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (APANAC), Guatemala

Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM), Guatemala

Global Heritage Fund (GHF), USA

Paiz Foundation, Guatemala

Pantaleon Foundation, Guatemala

William Holden Wildlife Foundation, USA

Acts of Kindness Foundation (AOK), USA

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Guatemala (UNESCO)

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National Geographic

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2006 | Gateway CommunitiesOne of FARES primary goals is to make a difference in the communities that surround the Mirador

Basin. These efforts are often accomplished through collaborative efforts between FARES and its

partners.

“I came to the conclusion years ago that science that doesn’t bless the lives of people is sterile. It is a matter

of converting science to blessing the lives of people.”Dr. Richard Hansen

The Waterbury Observer, February 2006

New Visitor Center in Carmelita

In 2006, the building of Carmelita’s Community Visitor Center was completed. The Visitor Center

features a small shop, lodging, solar-heated showers, toilets, and a native garden. This new facility

exists as a major asset to the Mirador Basin Project, and will serve as a resource for Mirador Basin

travelers.

After the Visitor Center’s inauguration ceremony, the facility was turned over to the Carmelita

community. This center signifies a new economic opportunity for the people of Carmelita, and

represents the first step towards developing tourist infrastructure and tourism programs in this

‘gateway’ community.

The construction of the Carmelita Community Visitor Center would not have been possible without

the generous support of the Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (APANAC)

and the Global Heritage Fund (GHF).

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Literacy Programs

Literacy classes for project workmen have been an

integral component of camp activity in the Mirador

Basin since 1991. During the 2006 field season,

however, these programs were substantially

enhanced. In 2006, the National Council of

Literacy (CONALFA) program was implemented

at El Mirador. The CONALFA curriculum enables

teachers to work with students according to their

individual progression. Out of 220 workers, 160

workers chose to participate in evening sessions,

and 23 individuals completed the first stage of the

course. Diplomas were presented on site.

CONALFA has been a major success in the Basin

and the program will be continued and expanded

in 2007.

Computers Donated to Local Communities

The Acts of Kindness Foundation (AOK), along

with FARES and GHF, distributed 72 refurbished

computers, generators, and printers in the

elementary schools of five villages on the outskirts

of the Mirador Basin; villages included Carmelita,

La Pasadita, Cruce a la Colorada, Dos Aguadas,

and Uaxactun.

The AOK Foundation equipped the computers

with Spanish programs, and provided initial

instructions to local teachers.

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During the 2006 field season, significant efforts went towards the continued conservation,

consolidation, stabilization, and restoration of Preclassic art and architecture found within the

Mirador Basin. The 2006 season has been the most extensive field season ever conducted in

the area. Archaeological studies were in operation for a total of seven months (May – August,

October – December) due to expanded financial contributions. This season was three to four months

longer than any previous field program.

2006 | Archaeological Projects

Archaeological studies were performed at the following locations:

El Mirador La Danta La Pava Structure 34 (Jaguar Paw Temple) Structure 313, Central Acropolis Cascabel La Muerta

Tintal Tintal-Mirador Causeway Test pitting of selected plazas

Preliminary exploration, salvage excava-tions, and mapping were conducted in the following ancient cities:

La TortugaEl LaurelLa IcoteaLos ChuntosEl LechugalEl DesencantoTamazulLa Llorona

Excavation of the east mask on Structure 34.

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La Danta

Preclassic Construction

In 2006, archaeological work

continued to expose the massive

Preclassic art and architecture of the

upper, central structure of La Danta.

Excavations revealed previously

unknown masks, Preclassic art

formats, stairways, and architectural

design on the building.

Archaeology | Highlights

The Late Classic Settlement

During 2006, continued work was done

to expose the numerous terminal Late

Classic (800 – 900 A.D.) rooms on the

third (highest) platform of La Danta.

Terminal Late Classic settlers

constructed a series of contiguous rooms

by extracting stones from La Danta’s

Late Preclassic (350 B.C. – A.D. 150)

structure and stairway. During these

modest occupations, over 700 years after

La Danta had been abandoned, residents

constructed living residences, sweat

baths, and perhaps market facilities for

pilgrimages.

Emergency Consolidation of La Danta South Wall

In early 2006, archaeologists discovered that Danta’s south wall, a major intact wall standing over 30 meters

(98 feet) high, was in imminent danger of collapsing. Emergency consolidation measures were immediately

conducted, which included the construction of wooden and steel scaffolding, tenon measures, damaged

stone replacement, and the careful formulation of tons of lime mortar.

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La Danta’s south wall.

Late Classic settlement excavated on Danta’s third platform.

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The Pava Pyramid Upcoming Visitor Attraction

La Pava pyramid is situated on

the first (lowest) platform of the

Danta Complex. Extensive

excavation and consolidation

efforts were performed on Pava

during the 2006 field season,

exposing stone and stucco

architecture, artwork, and

stairways. The ultimate goal for

this Preclassic pyramid is to

expose the façade, and

emphasize the structure as a

visitor attraction at El Mirador.

Cascabel Dedicatory Cache

During 2006 excavations, a buried, dedicatory,

Preclassic bowl was discovered at the base the

stairway of Structure 204 of the Cascabel

Complex. The original contents of the cache

could not be determined, however this

offering does indicate that this complex was

of particular significance to the Maya of the

Mirador Basin.

Dedicatory cache discovered in the Cascabel Complex.

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Reconstructed Preclassic bowl from dedicatory cache.

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Above: Exposed mask and panels on La Pava. Below: Artist’s depiction of mask and panels in original state.

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Structure 34Middle Preclassic Artwork Discovered Under Structure 34

During the 2006 field season, exploration

continued on a buried structure located under

Structure 34. On this construction, known as

Structure 34-Sub 1, archaeologists discovered

a Preclassic deity mask and associated

decorative panels. This architectural artwork is

in remarkably good condition, and is marked

with beautifully preserved red, black, and

cream paint.

Portion of Preclassic deity mask.

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Structure 34, the Jaguar Paw Temple.

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Artist depiction of deity mask and panels on Structure 34-Sub1.

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La Muerta | Existing Visitor Attraction

During the 2006 field season, the limestone bedrock carving, known as Monument 1 (excavated and reburied in 2003),

was uncovered and made ready for visitor viewing. The Mirador Basin Project has installed a large polycarbonate and

steel roofing system and viewing stand to enhance visitors’ experience of the monument. Monument 1 measures 6

meters (20 feet) by 6 meters (20 feet).

Examination of collapsed roof on Structure 313.

Polycarbonate roofing system and viewing stand.

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Monument 1, La Muerta.

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Artist’s depiction of one of the Late Preclassic building stages of Structure 313.

Structure 313 | Upcoming Visitor Attraction

Structure 313, a Late Preclassic triadic palace dating from 200 B.C. – 1 A.D., was the subject of extensive excavation

and research in 2006. New archaeological work uncovered intact architecture, narrow stairways, architectural artwork

(mask and panels), and artifacts. In addition, excavations revealed that there had been at least five major structural

modifications made on the building in the Late Preclassic period (350 B.C. – A.D. 150). These renovations testify to

the vibrant construction programs that occurred in El Mirador during this era. Ultimately, this fascinating structure

will be emphasized as a tourist attraction in El Mirador.

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New Mirador Basin Cities | Preliminary Exploration

Tintal - Mirador Causeway | Study of the Sacbe

The causeways in the Mirador Basin exist as one of the

Maya’s most remarkable creations. These causeways, also

known as sacbe (white roads), connect many of the major

cities in the Basin. In 2006, over fourteen kilometers (nine

miles) of the Tintal-Mirador causeway, stretching from the

Central Acropolis in El Mirador to the Henequen

Complex in Tintal, were examined. These studies revealed

that the causeway is Preclassic in nature, and may date to

as early as 400 B.C.

In 2006, eight new major cities in the Mirador Basin were mapped and explored. This work is important

for the identification of Maya settlement patterns and population density levels in the Basin. The salvage

efforts preformed on looters trenches indicates that there was a strong Late Preclassic (350 B.C. – A.D.

150) presence in these cities and an additional Late Classic (600 – 800 A.D.) occupation.

Excavation of Tintal-Mirador Causeway.

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Structure in the newly explored city of Tamazul.

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In late 2005, with the sponsorship of FARES

and the Del Valle University, Cesar

Castañeda (Director of the Department of

Agroforestry at Del Valle University,

Guatemala) embarked upon a three year

study intended to create a botanical

inventory of the Mirador Basin. This is the

first time such an endeavor has been pursued

on such a scale since 1937. Throughout the

2006 season, Castañeda and his students

explored a substantial portion of the

northern part of the Basin collecting leaf,

flower, seed, and fruit specimens. In addition

to the collection of specimens, records were

kept of sample locations, settings, and floral

and faunal contexts. The primary focus of

this three year study is on trees and shrubs,

however, upcoming studies will examine the

Basin’s orchid, fungi, and faunal

communities.

Castañeda’s work, in conjunction with pollen

core sampling, AMS radiocarbon dating, and

magnetic susceptibility analyses, is

contributing to a comprehensive study of the

ecological features of the Mirador Basin.

This work serves to enhance our current

understanding of the area’s biology and

environmental history, and will lay the

foundation for future studies of

contemporary Mirador Basin flora and fauna.

2006 | Biological Studies

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2006 | Technologies at Work in the Mirador Basin

The use of new technology in the Mirador Basin has served to substantially enhance the precision of

the archaeological and natural studies occurring in the area. These technologies are critical as they

contribute to forming the scientific justification for the permanent preservation of the Mirador Basin.

Laser Scanning of La Danta

Laser scanning provides archaeologists with a permanent record of

the original state of architecture and architectural artwork. This work

offers the exact location of stone blocks, walls, artifacts, and floors

prior to, during, and after excavations.

In 2006, a representative from Leica Geosystems preformed laser

scanning on the terminal Late Classic settlements on the third

(highest) platform of the Danta pyramid. This study resulted in the

scan of the west face of the pyramid, as well as the interior faces of the

surrounding triadic structures. These scans were critical to the

excavations of both Preclassic and Classic Maya settlements on Danta.

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Mapping Technologies

Mapping exists as a crucial part of the exploration of new sites in the Mirador Basin. By using a combination

of Total Station and Laser Scanner technology, sub-surface radar equipment, real time GPS units, Graphic

Information Systems (GIS), and aerial electronic radar (AIRSAR), archaeologists and other specialists are

able to define the extent and nature of the Basin’s early settlement patterns. The information derived from

these mapping techniques also enables experts to establish sampling, conservation, and excavation strategies

for an archaeological site and the surrounding environment.

Sophisticated mapping technologies have been used in the civic centers of El Mirador, Nakbe, and La

Florida, while traditional mapping methods have been applied to 23 additional sites in the Mirador Basin.

Pollen Core Sampling

Since 2003, FARES has been collaborating

with the University of California at Berkeley

to analyze collected pollen core sample

data. In 2006, pollen core samples were

extracted from the Paixbanlon Lake in the

northwest corner of the Mirador Basin.

Pollen core sampling is one of the most

effective tools we have for understanding

the environmental impact of ancient

civilizations. Through collected pollen

specimens and isotope analysis, scientists

are able to chart historic changes in

vegetation that serve to illustrate major

human occupations and abandonment.

Occupations are marked by an increase in

agricultural pollens (such as corn, squash,

and weeds) and sedimentation rates. while

collapses are characterized by a rise in the

pollen and isotope signatures of native

species.

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Financials

As of December 31, 2006 2004 2005 2006

Revenues

Contributions 602,871 1,118,140* 1,406,794

Other Revenues 2,076 3,627

Total Revenues 602,871 2,076 $1,410,421

Expenditures

Advertising and Promotion 60 4,763 4,547

Field Programs 329,505 648,431 943,344

Field Support and Logistics 189,137 245,512 303,645

Management and Administrative 227,952 84,008 107,101

Total Expenditures 746,654 982,714 1,358,637

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets -143,783 (980,638) 51,784

Net Assets Beginning of Year (336,003) 20,214 (342,284)

Net Assets -479,786 (960,424) $(290,500)

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2006 2004 2005 2006

Assets

Cash 235,761

Investments 2,169 2,169 833

Net Fixed Assets 44,217 46,340 49,020

Total Assets 282,147 48,509 49,853

Liabilities

Bank Loans 9,345 23,377

Accrued Interest 11,435 19,111 10,640

Notes Payable 177,000 362,139 306,138

Due to Related Party 73,498 198 1983

Total Liabilities 261,933 390,793 40,353

Net Assets 20,214 (342,284) (290,500)

  Total Liabilities and Net Assets 282,147 $48,509 $49,853

*$500,000 of the 2005 revenues were received on December 31, 2004.

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The U.S. DOI and the Government of Guatemala Sign Memorandum of Understanding

"Important archaeological findings in this region, led by Idaho State University archaeologist Dr. Richard Hansen, have re-written the history of Maya civilization, pushing their history back by 1,000 years."

DOI Press Release

The Mission for Mirador

"... with [the] development of a viable national park with limited access there is a high potential for sustainable preservation, tourism, and economic development."

PrivateAir Magazine

Into the Wild

"Beneath the jungle canopy lay the ruins of El Mirador, the largest city ever built ever built by the Mayan Indians. And beneath our feet - the giant mound of rock and earth we just climbed - was La Danta, the largest pyramid in the world."

The Waterbury Observer

The History of Maya’s Jungle Heart

Dr. Hansen's "vision is to save the Mirador Basin by turning the area into a tourist attraction run by the local community." He states "if the Mirador Basin doesn't get UNESCO heritage protection and logging is allowed to continue, the forest will disappear in front of our eyes and the precious ruins within it will be destroyed."

The Observer

Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto Now

Gibson was "captivated by the ancient Maya, one of the hemisphere’s great civilizations" and was "inspired in large part by his work with the Mirador Basin Project, an effort to preserve a large swath of the Guatemalan rain forest and its Maya ruins."

Time Magazine

In the News

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FARES President consults on Apocalypto

In 2006, Mel Gibson’s movie Apocalypto was released. The film was heralded

as an “epic” (New York Times) and was celebrated with three Oscar

nominations.

Apocalypto was a fictional story about a man’s journey, and an ancient culture

that ‘destroys itself from within.’ The film drew powerful methaphoric

parallels between an ancient civilization and our own modern society,

including the conspicuous consumption of natural resources, and the

consequences of subsequent environmental degradation.

FARES President, Dr. Richard Hansen, served as a primary set, scene, and

costume consultant on Apocalypto, and contributed to the many “arresting

images” (T.V. Guide) that dominated the screen.

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Mirador Conservation Specialist Receives National Award

On December 15, 2006, Enrique Monterroso-Tun of the Mirador Basin Project was awarded the National

Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (Orden Nacional del Patrimonio Cultural de Guatemala) by the

President of Guatemala. This award, one of Guatemala’s highest honors, is bestowed upon individuals whose

work has enhanced the country’s cultural patrimony via archaeology, anthropology, conservation, science,

and/or the study of indigenous and living cultures.

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Monterroso-Tun, born and raised in the Petén,

Guatemala, has been instrumental in the

consolidation and restoration of numerous Maya

archaeological sites. Over the past 48 years he has

made significant contributions at the UNESCO

World Heritage sites of Tikal (Guatemala), Mixco

Viejo, (Guatemala), Quirigua (Guatemala), and

Copan (Honduras), as well as at the UNESCO

Tentative List sites of Takalik Abaj (Guatemala) and

the Mirador Basin (Guatemala).

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Our work in the Mirador Basin would not be possible without the dedication, passion, and vision of our partners.

Global Heritage Fund (GHF) www.globalheritagefund.org

Foundation of Cultural and Natural Maya Patrimony (PACUNAM) www.pacunam.org

The Government of Guatemala www.guatemala.gob.gt

U.S. Department of the Interior, International Techincal Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP) www.doi.gov/intl/itap/

Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) www.visitguatemala.com

Institute of Anthropology and History of Guatemala (IDAEH) www.mcd.gob.gt

Ministry of Culture and Sports (MICUDE) www.mcd.gob.gt

Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala (APANAC) http://apanac.org.gt

Counterpart International www.counterpart.org

National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP) http://conap.gob.gt

Community Association of Natural and Cultural Tourism (ACTUNAC) http://apanac.org.gt

Community Association for the Sustainable Development of San Andres, Peten (ACODESSA)

Carmelita Community Tourism Committee (CCTC)

Partners

Dr. Richard D. Hansen, Ph.DPresident (FARES)Idaho State University

James C. WoodsVice President (FARES)Director of the Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho

Kerry L. Arritt, CPASecretary- Treasurer (FARES)Anderson Neilson Arritt CPAs

Fernando PaizExecutive Director (FARES)Wal-Mart Central AmericaPACUNAM

2006 Board of Directors

Francois BergerPresident, APANAC

Dr. Michael CoeProfessor Emeritus of Anthropology, Yale University

Advisory Board

Leland S. McCulloughExecutive Director and Legal Counsel (FARES)Callister, Nebeker, and McCullough

Wayne K. HowellExecutive Director (FARES)U.S. National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park

Jody Lynn HansenSecretary (FARES)

Wayne HepworthExecutive Director (FARES)Merrill Lynch

Mel GibsonExecutive Director (FARES)Icon Productions

Dr. Herbert D.G. Maschner, Ph.D.Executive Director (FARES)Idaho State University

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Thank you to all of you who have contributed to the Mirador Basin and its success.Without your contribution and support the Mirador Basin and all of its cultural andnatural treasures would surely have been lost.

Your support is vitally important and greatly appreciated.

A special thanks to

Global Heritage Fund (GHF)Fundación Patrimonio Cultural y Natural Maya (PACUNAM)

Friends of the Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Guatemela (APANAC)and The Foundation for Free Expression

In addition, we would like to recognize all of the individual sponsors who support FARES through these organizations and independently.

Mirador Basin Patrons

Banco Industrial, Cementos Progreso, Cerveceria Centroamericana, Daniel K. Thorne Foundation, David Graham, Francois and Nini Berger, Franklin and Catherine Johnson Foundation, Fundación Carlos F. Novella, Fundación Pantaleón, Iona Benson, Joe Habie/Aldan S.A., Larry Porter, Paiz Foundation, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, MSST Foundation, Townshend Family Foundation, Wal-Mart Central America, Wallace Foundation, Wolf Creek Foundation.

Friends of the Mirador Basin

Paula Atwood, Nancy H. Baxter, Sharon Belkin, Bill and Cheryl Bennett, Charles and Carol Blackwood, Mary McDevitt Brown, Kathryn Burg, Ben Castricone, Lowell and Patsy Chamberlain, Eunice M. Childs, Marc Chips – A.M.S. Inc., Tim Choate, Carl Cooper, John and Marlys Cybulski, Bob and Maria Gease, John and Patricia Hansen, Richard and Lynn Kelson, Patricia Lockhart, Bill and Ann Lucas, Cynthia Luce, Jeffrey and Tondra Lynford, Alec and Gail Merriam, Ann Ruffer, Colleen Searle, Evelyn Stern, William and Cecilia Taylor, Laney and Pasha Thornton, Elizabeth Welty, Roger and Nancy Williams.

FARES also appreciates the efforts of the following organizations

Balam Association, Google, History Channel, National Geographic, UNESCO Guatemala, and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Thank you

FARES164 West 400 North Rupert, ID 83350, USAmiradorbasin@gmail.comwww.miradorbasin.com

Front Cover - Top: Charles D. Bieber. Bottom (left to right): Matthew A. White, Matthew A. White, Richard D. Hansen, Meredith W. Skeff