Our Purpose
"From the Soul, to the Soil"
Our Purpose
"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 regions, we deliver real solutions: native-species reforestation, regenerative agriculture, 3D-printed earthen housing, community schools, and renewable energy systems.
The Story of Chawe Futuro Foundation:
In the heart of Mesoamerica, the Maya Rainforest—one of the last green lungs of the continent—is disappearing. Every year, thousands of hectares vanish under fire, neglect, and greed. With them, unique species, ancestral cultures, and the hope for a sustainable future fade away.
Faced with this reality, a group of visionaries decided to act. That’s how Chawe Futuro Foundation was born—an NGO with a clear mission: to regenerate ecosystems, empower communities, and build a future in harmony with the Earth.
Our work blends tradition with innovation. We restore degraded land using permaculture. We reforest with native trees that nourish and heal. We teach children and adults to live in balance with nature. We use drones, robotics, and educational video games to connect new generations with the land. We build with 3D-printed adobe. We rescue animals. And we do it all from the heart, with the belief that another world is possible.
We envision a future where the rainforest breathes again. Where children grow up knowing how to care for the Earth, and communities thrive without destroying their environment. A world where ancestral wisdom meets technology to heal the planet.
This story is just beginning. And you can be part of it.
Donate. Join us. Spread the word.
Because together, we can write the future our planet—and its people—deserve.
Etymology of the 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 of Jungle Warriors
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
Sebastian
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, Al, and systems design, he develops the digital backbone behind Chawe Futuro's regenerative mission, from blockchain transparency to educational platforms.
Digital Strategist
-
Technology, Al & Infrastructure Leade
Guillermo
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.
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.
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.
3D printed earth wall with embedded staircase
WASP has developed a 3D-printed earth wall using a mix of clay and rice fibers, demonstrating how natural materials can meet advanced construction technology. Printed in just 40 hours, this prototype highlights a fast, sustainable, and affordable approach to building resilient housing.
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.
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.
3D printed earth wall with embedded staircase
WASP has developed a 3D-printed earth wall using a mix of clay and rice fibers, demonstrating how natural materials can meet advanced construction technology. Printed in just 40 hours, this prototype highlights a fast, sustainable, and affordable approach to building resilient housing.
Just A Little Help Can Shape a Brighter Future for Guatemala.
"From the Soul, to the Soil"
© Chawe Futuro Foundation - All Rights Reserved