COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN ARCHAEOLOGISTS, LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND HERITAGE SPECIALISTS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS IN BELIZE

As dramatic climate and ecological shifts accelerate, understanding the sustainability of human communities is essential for successful adaptation to some of the most pressing environmental changes in human history. Archaeology in the Maya lowlands has documented long histories of adaptation in response to both long- and short-term climatic and environmental shocks. While these studies illuminate potential sustainable trajectories for the future, it is imperative that archaeologists develop productive collaborations with local communities and heritage management specialists to influence policymaking effectively. In this paper, we discuss the outcomes of a collaborative workshop, “Sustainability of the Ancient and Modern Maya to Climate Change,” held in January 2024. This workshop focused on crafting effective, culturally relevant responses that honor historical practices while addressing contemporary needs. Workshop participants explored the sustainability and persistence of ancient and modern populations in the eastern Maya lowlands, discussing climate change impacts and identifying the institutions and infrastructure that supported sustainability among both the ancient Maya and modern indigenous populations. These outcomes are discussed here specifically in the context of Belize and exemplify how archaeologists can engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating how insights from the past can inform future climate change adaptations.