Date of Workshop: June 10 -11, 2023 

Workshop Coordinator: Valeria Romano Lara

Petcacab y Polikin is a Mayan ejido located two hours from Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, and is part of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Municipality. Surrounded by a rich, medium semi-evergreen forest, this community spans over 41,776 hectares, supporting both timber production and conservation efforts. With its diverse ecosystem of tropical softwood and hardwood species, including the chicozapote tree known for its chicle latex, Petcacab has become a symbol of the delicate balance between tradition and modern livelihoods.

With a population of about 900, Petcacab faces the challenge of balancing traditional livelihoods such as forestry, agriculture, and livestock, with the aspirations of a younger generation eager to innovate. As interactions with nearby urban centers increase, especially for young people pursuing education and work, the future of the ejido lies in fostering spaces where both generations can collaborate on preserving their forest and building a sustainable future.

In June 2023, Don Basilio Rivas, a beloved figure in the community, welcomed the Future of Forest Work Youth Visioning Workshops to Petcacab. Basilio, renowned for leading youth programs through birdwatching and baseball, has long encouraged young people to appreciate and protect their jungle. His call to action gathered a group of enthusiastic participants who would, for the first time, present their ideas on how to shape the future of their ejido.

The Youth Visioning Workshop allowed participants to explore the places they consider landmarks of their community—everything from the chicozapote tree to the community sawmill. It became clear that while the youth have a deep connection to their forest, they feel their voices are often overlooked. Sandra, a 20-year-old participant pursuing a degree in Alternative Tourism, expressed her hope that the authorities will listen to them: "Our ideas may seem crazy at first, but they could be exactly what the community needs." Many participants, like Sandra, dream of diversifying the ejido's activities, especially by expanding ecotourism opportunities.

The workshop revealed the challenges facing the younger generation in Petcacab. While they are eager to innovate and contribute to the future of their ejido, they also recognize the appeal of urban livelihoods, with many seeking opportunities in larger cities. For many, the pull of jobs in hospitality, engineering, and administration competes with the traditional work of forestry and agriculture.

Generational succession is a key concern for Don Basilio and other ejidatarios, who wonder who will inherit the land and continue their work. The gap between the older and younger generations’ outlook on the ejido's future highlights the need for greater youth participation in decision-making. Thanks to the Selva Maya Conservation Timber Summit, an important step has been made: the ejidal administration has committed to giving youth the platform to present their ideas to the Assembly, marking the beginning of a more inclusive process.