MEXICO
XATE
Xate (pronounced SHA-tay) are leaves produced from the Chamaedorea genus tree. The heart-shaped or fish-tail lush leaves are commonly found in Guatemala's rainforest.
Sofia Maritza Hernandez
Carmelita village
“The work is voluntary in that we don’t have a contract, but most of us come to work because we like the job. I, for example, never miss work.”
Desly Marisol
Carmelita village
"The community is benefiting from the sale of Xate, because the benefits of Xate have allowed us to invest more in education and health"
LIVELIHOOD
In the Reserve, there are more than 13 xate firms and over 250 xate contractors. The Consejo Nacional de Areas Protegidas (CONAP) is responsible for regulating and controlling the industry and has put it in place harvesting regulations such as that only two leaves should be cut per plant per year and that they should be of the highest quality.
Xate and People
Between 60% to 80% households in Uaxactún rely on date as their main source of income
The majority of xate workers in Uaxactún are women and they take care of the harvesting, the selection and packaging of the palm plants
In the Reserve, there are a total of 13 date firms and 250 xate contractors
Milvia Rivera
Carmelita village
"I would like churches to know that through their purchases they’re giving us a source of income that benefits community members and their families."
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Chamaedorea is among the world’s most endangered palm plants due to overharvesting of the rainforest, waste removal of leaves, and climate change. According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN), three-quarters of the Chamaedorea species are threatened due to overharvesting activities including the overharvesting of leaves, stems and seeds.
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
Meet the partners that promote support for the sustainable production of Xate in the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
MARKET AND PRICES
According to the economic assessment of the xate resources in the Chiquibul Forest located in nearby Belize, conducted by the Rainforest Alliance team in Guatemala shows varying ranges.
