Our Story
"From the Soul to the Soil"
About Us
"From the Soul to the Soil"
Our Story
"From the Soul to the Soil"
Milestones of the Forest.
500+
Hectares
Protected
75,000
Trees
Planted
100%
Mission-
Driven
Rooted in Nature, Growing Through Ancestral Wisdom.
Chawe Futuro Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to ecological restoration, regenerative innovation, and social justice in Guatemala’s most vulnerable communities. We were born from the vision of uniting science, technology, and ancestral wisdom to heal the land, feed the people, and educate the next generation.
From the Maya Biosphere to forgotten rural areas, we deliver real solutions: native species reforestation, regenerative agriculture, 3D-printed earthen housing, community schools, and renewable energy systems.
Our mission is simple: regenerate ecosystems and empower lives with tools for the future.
Guatemala is facing a perfect storm of human and ecological crises.
On one hand, humanity is cutting down the second most important oxygen-producing rainforest in the Americas — the Maya Biosphere. The name "Guatemala" comes from the Nahuatl word “Quauhtemallan”, meaning “Land of Many Trees”. This ancient jungle once extended from the Yucatán Peninsula all the way to Panama. But decades of deforestation and illegal logging have devastated much of its area, placing countless species at risk of extinction.
Despite being much smaller than the Amazon, the Maya Biosphere is one of the densest jungles on Earth, making it a powerful oxygen generator. The oxygen it produces doesn’t just benefit Central America — it travels through aerial corridors, reaching North America, Europe, and Asia. This means the world depends on this forest, and its destruction is a global problem.
On the other hand, over 8 million people — nearly half of our population of 18 million — do not have access to adequate housing. Many live in fragile homes made of scrap materials, unable to withstand the effects of climate change or earthquakes. Of those, 4 million live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than one dollar a day, with limited access to clean water, education, or healthy food.
This is not just a local issue. It’s a call to action for the entire planet.
Etymology of Our Name:
Chawe Futuro
The name Chawe Futuro Foundation embodies our deep connection to indigenous heritage and our commitment to a sustainable future.
CHAWE
The word "Chawe" originates from the K’iche’ Maya language, one of the indigenous languages of Guatemala. In K’iche’, "chawe" translates to "to you" or "for you", often used as a respectful way to address someone. In Kaqchikel Maya, another language of the region, the phrase "Maltiox Chawe" means "Thank you to you", reinforcing the idea of gratitude, respect, and connection.
By incorporating Chawe into our name, we honor the Maya worldview, which is deeply rooted in reciprocity, respect for nature, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. It signifies a call to action—an invitation to participate in the restoration of the planet through reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability efforts.
FUTURO
The word "Futuro" (Spanish for "future") reflects our vision to restore ecosystems, empower communities, and build a sustainable tomorrow. It represents our commitment to merging ancestral wisdom with modern innovation to heal the Earth and secure a thriving future for generations to come.
Together, Chawe Futuro serves as a bridge between Maya heritage and forward-thinking environmental solutions, ensuring that traditional knowledge and sustainability principles guide us in regenerating the planet.
Meet Our Team
Gabriel
Cofiño
Gabriel is the founder of Chawe Futuro Foundation. Rooted in the jungles of the Maya Biosphere, he weaves together ecological restoration and technology. His work bridges the forest floor and the digital world creating a future where nature and communities grow strong, together.
Keeper of the Frequency
–
Vision Architect
Neal
Hegarty
Founder of Creasol and mentor to the Chawe Futuro team, Neal brings wisdom from the soul to the soil. As a seasoned permaculture teacher, he designs living landscapes that heal the earth while feeding communities. Co-founder of Granja Tz'ikin, a living model of resilience and abundance in harmony with local ecology.
Master of Regeneration
–
Permaculture Educator & Ecosystem Designer
Maddison
Cowan
Maddison blends her knowledge of natural medicine and permaculture to care for both people and land. Guided by compassion and ancestral wisdom, she works closely with Indigenous communities, offering healing, support, and a nurturing presence rooted in feminine strength.
Steward of Wellbeing
–
Natural Medicine & Community Care
Sebastián
De La Hoz
Sebastián is the visionary founder of Green Balam Forest, the force behind acquiring and protecting land within the Maya Biosphere. With a deep-rooted passion for ecological justice, he identifies deforested and degraded areas and leads the groundwork for their restoration.
Guardian of the Forests
–
Land Strategist & Reforestation Lead
Anne
L. Lossing
Anne didn’t just build a project, she gave her life to a community. As the founder of Proyecto Ixcanaan, she has lived for decades at the edge of the Maya Biosphere, offering healing, education, and unconditional presence to the people of Petén.
A Life of Service
–
Community, Learning & Love
Gustavo
Perdomo
Gustavo is the founder of ADEP and a specialist in renewable energy systems. At Chawe Futuro, he designs agrivoltaic farms that power regeneration. Bringing solar innovation to the heart of the forest and the communities around it.
Energy Visionary
–
Renewable Energy & Off-Grid Systems
Fran
J. Balsells
Francisco brings precision and innovation to the heart of the jungle. As an expert in technology, AI, and systems design, he develops the digital backbone behind Chawe Futuro’s regenerative mission, from blockchain transparency to educational platforms.
Digital Strategist
–
Technology, AI & Infrastructure Lead
Guille
Bardales
Guillermo works side by side with Sebastián to expand the impact of Green Balam Forest. As a bridge-builder, he cultivates relationships with allies, donors, and institution. Ensuring that the mission of reforestation reaches hearts, minds, and decision-makers around the world.
Connector of Worlds
–
Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships
Our Path.
Our Future.
Our Path. Our Future.
Deep Dive: Green Balam Forests in Guatemala.
Green Balam Forests is restoring degraded cattle lands in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere using native species, local workers, and Open Forest Protocol’s technology to ensure transparent, verifiable reforestation.
Gaia: The First 3D Printed House With Earth.
Gaia, whose name derives from the use of raw earth as the main binder of the construction mixture, can be considered a new eco-sustainable architectural model. Special attention is given to the use of natural waste materials.
TECLA: The Eco-Sustainable 3D Printed Habitat.
TECLA is the first eco-habitat built using, at the same time, multiple Crane WASP collaborative printers. It demonstrates how 3D technology can create buildings while optimizing the construction process and minimizing the use of human and energy resources.
