15 of the Mesoamerican region, where millions of persons belonging to indigenous groups and communities still maintain their traditions and knowledge inherited from Mayan civilisation. In Guatemalan territory, there are more than 600 species of flora and fauna, unique in the world (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish, beetles and flowering plants). It is widely recognised that cultural diversity is closely associated with the main concentrations of biodiversity in the world. Languages, which are an expression of cultural richness, are associated with biological richness, as can be seen on some maps globally. Worldwide, there are 6,700 languages, 15% of which are located in Latin America, including Mesoamerica. In Guatemala alone there are 24 language groups. Indigenous peoples live and have rights over vast areas of land with high levels of biodiversity. Land and nature have a sacred quality that is part of indigenous values and beliefs. The Mayan peoples of Guatemala have a comprehensive view of the world, where all elements of the universe have life and are closely interrelated, including the earth, sky, air, water, forests and animals. Therefore the Mayan has a non-materialistic attitude and custody to land and natural resources, very different from Western consumer society. In fact, the Maya worldview has life principles linked to sustainability, which does not mean that all descendants of the Maya meet these principles 100%. Nor does it mean that these practices are isolated from modern life and the use of new technologies. In actual life, the principles of the Maya worldview are transmitted from generation to generation within each of their families in each of the different rituals, where harmony between humans and nature is practiced. This is seen in the ceremonies of marriage, sowings, harvests and religious festivals. However, the models of development that the country has promoted over hundreds of years, excluding indigenous peoples from the benefits of the wealth the country produces, depriving them of basic services like education, and exploiting their labour force in national production, have led to most indigenous people living in extreme poverty. In addition, these models of development have needed an ideology that denies the relationship between the ancient Mayan civilisation and current indigenous culture. Extreme poverty and the denial of its past, among other elements, forces many natives to use cultural practices alien to the principles of the Maya worldview that are considered closely related to sustainability. It should be noted that in all models of human behaviour, whether political, religious or philosophical, such as democracy, there are always people and social groups that are not 100% consistent in their everyday practice with the principles and values they adhere to. The close relationship with nature and their practice of deep observation led to the great contributions of the Mayas to human civilisation in all disciplines of knowledge, such as health, mathematics, law, astronomy, literature and architecture. Two major architectural monuments built by the Maya, Tikal and Quirigua have been recognised by UNESCO as the cultural heritage of humanity. Despite these acknowledgments, the Mayan world today and their wisdoms related to biodiversity are at risk for discrimination by the dominant socio-cultural context. Indeed, this condition causes dominance in the educational system and the experiences of indigenous peoples are not valued. A predominantly teaching-learning system based on a Western view leaves no room for the knowledge and wisdom of original peoples at the university level. This means a continued loss of the cultural richness of the country, affecting the sustainability of society as a whole. There is also a lack Professional College of Veterinary, Zootechnics and Aquiculturist 105
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
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