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Estefania Pretelt

Rediscovering Regeneration: Lessons from Tuqtuquilal



The concept of sustainability often revolves around the idea of becoming self-sufficient—an individual or business striving to be completely self-sustainable. However, my time in Tuqtuquilal has taught me a powerful lesson: the true essence of regeneration lies in collaboration.


Nature as Teacher: We Are Ecosystems

Nature is one of the greatest teachers when it comes to understanding how we fit into the broader system of life. It shows us that we are ecosystems, interconnected and interdependent. We cannot exist in a bubble, attempting to be "sustainable" in ways that only benefit us, while remaining apathetic to the well-being of others. This kind of thinking perpetuates the mindset of separation, one that has long distanced us from nature, each other, and our roots.


The Myth of Self-Sustainability

One of the most profound realizations I had in Tuqtuquilal is that it’s not about being 100% self-sustainable. In fact, that’s not regenerative at all. When we aim to do everything on our own, we remove ourselves from the larger ecosystem and fail to act in reciprocity with our surroundings. Regeneration, by its nature, is a communal process. It thrives on relationships, exchanges, and interdependence.


Community and Ancestral Wisdom

What stands out about Tuqtuquilal is their dedication to working with the local community. Regeneration here isn’t just about restoring land; it’s also about rescuing and revitalizing ancestral roots. It’s a fascinating and sobering reality that, even in a Maya village where Q’eqchi’ is spoken, colonization has left a visible mark. Catholicism dominates, large brands fill local shops with disposable products, and industrialization has infiltrated even the most remote places.

Despite this, the elders still hold onto much wisdom, particularly in agriculture. Unfortunately, some of that knowledge has been lost over time. But Tuqtuquilal is stepping in to help the community remember and reclaim these valuable practices. They are helping to reaffirm that the ways of the past—the ways of their ancestors—are the solutions we need to embrace now.


Playing a Role in the Ecosystem

Tuqtuquilal’s approach to regeneration involves occupying a crucial role in the local ecosystem. They collaborate with local families, buying cacao from them, and sending tourists to support their livelihoods. It's a beautiful win-win-win relationship where everyone benefits: the land, the people, and the broader community.


This land, once used for cattle farming, has undergone a regenerative transformation. But this isn’t a top-down process; it’s been achieved in collaboration with the local culture and its knowledge. The methods used to regenerate the land are shared with local families, empowering them to adopt similar practices in their own homes. Yet, as beautiful as this knowledge transfer is, it’s not about teaching something new—it’s about helping them remember.


Remembering, Not Learning

The beauty of Tuqtuquilal’s work is that it’s not a process of introducing foreign ideas to the community. It’s about helping them reconnect with the wisdom they already hold within. This knowledge, rooted in their ancestors’ understanding of the land, is their birthright. What’s needed is not new information, but a process of remembering and reawakening to the power of their own traditions.



Tuqtuquilal offers a powerful model of what regeneration truly looks like. It’s not about isolation, it’s about collaboration. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but rediscovering the wisdom that’s always been there. As we look to create a more sustainable future, perhaps the most critical lesson we can learn is that we are not alone in this journey. By embracing our roles within the ecosystem, acting in reciprocity, and remembering the wisdom of our ancestors, we can regenerate not only the land but also the communities and connections that give life meaning.


Thank you for reading

Estefi

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