Originally from Tamagás Creek Village, as an active member of the community José has been working since age 22 to conserve the water sources that supply his community. To protect the forests located in the core area of the Jalaute sector in the Sierra Santa Cruz Special Protection Area, he currently works as a resource guardian for FUNDAECO. José conducts environmental education activities, patrols the core area of the protected area, and serves as a translator in activities with indigenous Q’ueqchi-speaking groups.