About Us
Why Wellkind?
Local Experts: Passionate team living and working in the communities we serve.
Proven Experience: Decades of expertise in sustainable environmental practices.
Integrated Approach: Blending environmental science with deep cultural understanding.
Sustainable Futures: Protecting natural resources for indigenous communities in Guatemala
Wellkind is a grassroots, local non-profit that works with indigenous Kaqchikel Maya communities in the Sololá Department of Guatemala. Founded in 2019 to address ecological and economic challenges of the local communities, Wellkind now works in over 8 municipalities, benefiting over 5000 people, with programming in native tree reforestation, support for local farmers, native species propagation, and environmental education.
Our programming has been created by conversing with indigenous community leaders and local youth groups to create appropriate solutions to the modern problems that they are facing today. Our team of young community leaders works daily to empower their communities and to enhance the region’s economy, ecology, and community.
Our Vision
A future where the Western Highlands of Guatemala thrive with lush forests and diverse ecosystems, enriched by the harmonious blend of traditional indigenous knowledge and modern conservation practices, ensuring sustainable access to natural resources for generations to come.
Our Mission
We empower communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala to lead reforestation and conservation efforts by integrating indigenous wisdom with evidence-based strategies.
Our mission is to build local capacity, measure our impact, and secure long-term community access to natural resources, fostering a sustainable environment for future generations.
Where we work
Wellkind headquarters are in the community of Tzununá where the office and native tree nursery are located. We primarily work in the communities of the north-western side of Lake Atitlán in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. All our programming primarily works with the indigenous communities of the San Marcos and Santa Cruz Municipalities, however in 2023 we expanded to start working in more distant communities like Santa Lucia Utatlan.
Wellkind currently works in the villages of:
Santa Cruz La laguna
Tzununá
Pajomel
Chuitzanchaj
Santa Lucia Utatlan
San Marcos La laguna
Laguna Seca
Jaibalito
To learn more about why this region is important, check out the Our History page.
While our nonprofit is young, our network of supporters is rapidly growing, with partners like John Roulac, Executive Producer of the Netflix film Kiss The Ground; Doug Bullock, Expert Permaculture Designer and Nurseryman; One Tree Planted; and One Day’s Wages.
