The present threat to Maya cultural heritage ranges widely in scope from region to region. While a handful of studies have been produced regarding the state of cultural patrimony in areas such as Western Belize and the Department of Petén in Guatemala, no comprehensive investigation had ever taken place.

The preliminary goal of MACHI upon its initiation in 2006 was to determine the level of destruction faced by archaeological heritage in western Honduras, southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and northern El Salvador. Visiting each region, the MACHI team conducted interviews with government officials, local and foreign archaeologists, indigenous leaders, NGO/NPO personnel, tour guides, site guards, and museum officials. All interviews have been compiled into a comprehensive database.

The interview database continues to grow as MACHI moves forward in its objectives and we constantly seek new perspectives from interviewees. If you are interested in contributing to our database, please contact us to set up an interview.