The Ministry of Culture published a decree that day on Diario de Centroamerica (the official gazette), saying corn is considered a fundamental food element and crucial in the Mayan spirituality and for that reason it was decided to declare it cultural heritage.

Corn in all its varieties and in many different soils and weathers in Guatemala is as of today the Nation’s Cultural Heritage, says the publication.

It says the grain has been used since ancient times in Guatemala and that it is part of their mythology, cosmogony, the calenders and it has been a fundamental part of the Mayan peoples’ spirituality.

By declaring corn national heritage, the Government commits to take all necessary actions to protect, preserve and promote research around corn.
Leonel Ángel Raimundo, member of CEIBA-Friends of the Earth Guatemala talks about the reasons and consequences of this important step in his country.

The environmental activist spoke with Real World Radio’s correspondent in Guatemala, Oscar Galvez. He said that “corn is actually a product consumed daily in Guatemala and it is sacred because of being a food staple. It has been identified as the crown’s pearl by the Measoamerican people”.

There are currently 112 corn varieties of which 54 may be considered “native”, said Raimundo.

He also warned about the Guatemalan political scenario. There is a project that seeks to authorize the plantation of genetically modified corn, which poses a direct threat to this crop. “Almost all the Guatemalan population sees the passing of laws that will authorize GMOs as a big threat”.

“This will force people to buy imported corn instead of being able to cultivate their own seeds. Food Sovereignty is currently being endangered by projects like this one”.

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