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The Much' Kanan K'aax reserve is located in the Mayan jungle and covers 1,230 hectares of land in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The name is a Mayan expression meaning "Together we take care of the jungle." More than 200 Mayan community members own and take care of the land. Each member is expected to do their part to ensure the health of the jungle, while earning a viable income from the land. It is sectioned off into various areas used for chicle tree farming, honey cultivation, ecotourism, agriculture, reforestation and conservation. It is a source for the community to make a living. The hope is to one day certify the area for sale of carbon credits, with the assistance of REDD+. The program's expressed focus is to slow climate change by paying communities to stop deforestation and maintain forest lands like Much' Kanan K'aax. There is uncertainty on how this program would help, but the community hopes to create a balance in maintaining a tradition of respect for the forest while obtaining a profitable outcome.
Dionisio Yam Moo feels the trunk of a 100-year-old amapola tree in the Much' Kanan K'aax reserve, on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2010. The 71-year-old Mayan along with 225 community members own and maintain 1,230 hectares of the Mayan jungle land in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The hope is to sell carbon credits in the future with the aid of REDD+, while maintaining a community driven model. "Community conservation is the key," Dionisio said. 
A ceiba tree was planted nearly a year ago to assess the health of the jungle, on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2010. The tree is considered sacred to the Mayans. 
Dionisio Yam Moo, a 71-year-old Mayan farmer, touches a ceiba tree in the Much' Kanan K'aax reserve in the Mayan jungle, on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2010. The sacred Mayan tree was planted nearly a year ago to assess the health of the jungle. 
Pacual Ek uses a machete to strip the bark of a chicle tree in the Much' Kanan K'aax, reserve in the state of Quintana Roo, on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2010. 
Located near the city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Anna Pat prepares fresh tortillas at the Much' Kanan K'aax reservem, on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2010. 
