IDB to fund Mundo Maya program

In another attempt to preserve the shared culture, history and environmental heritage of the Mundo Maya countries, the Inter-American Development Bank has approved a grant for over one million US dollars to support social and economic development programs in the five nations. Besides investments in tourism and culture the Mundo Maya initiative is being promoted as a way of generating alternate sources of income and improve living conditions for inhabitants of the five countries. The program, which should have the participation of local Maya communities, is to be implemented within a year. It will cost just over one point seven million US dollars. In addition to the IDB funding, the Japan Special Fund, the Swedish Trust Fund, the Norwegian Trust Fund and local counterparts have pledged to supply the balance of the money needed. The Mundo Maya countries are Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.