To meet these goals, the Global Heritage Fund is working with the Guatemalan government to gain support for its protection plan. Money from The fund will go toward restoring the buildings of El Mirador and mapping and exploring newly discovered buildings.

The organization is also paying to train local guides on how to stop theft and illegal tree-cutting. Educational programs are helping to give people in the area the skills they need to have jobs that do not endanger this protected area.

The United States and Guatemalan governments, area nonprofit organizations and private donors have given money to help support the Mirador project.

FAITH LAPIDUS: The Global Heritage Fund says we have a duty to the people of the past, present and future to make sure we do not lose these examples of human history.

And it says every country, organization and individual can play a role in helping to protect this rich history.

BOB DOUGHTY: This program was written and produced by Dana Demange. I’m Bob Doughty.

FAITH LAPIDUS: And I’m Faith Lapidus. Visit us online at voaspecialenglish.com or on Facebook or Twitter at VOA Learning English. Join us again next week for EXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English.