Through the research of MACHI, we have learned that information about the pre-Hispanic past and about the value of Maya cultural heritage have not been disseminated throughout the Maya region. To begin to fill this void, MACHI seeks to develop educational initiatives for audiences ranging from children to adults.

As a means of discussing grassroots education, we organized the 1st MACHI Conference. Representatives including educators, archaeologists, and specialists from Belize, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and the United States were invited to participate.

The 1st MACHI Conference was held on October 19-21, 2006 at the archaeological biosphere reserve of Kaxil Kiuic in Yucatan, Mexico. Each participant made short presentations on their experiences with grassroots and informal education followed by general discussions about the form of conservation education and the most effective means of reaching rural populations. The Conference provided a useful forum for all participants to consider new educational methods and to make connections across international borders.