In June 2011, the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Waitt Foundation program awarded a research grant to the Maya Archaeological Initiative and Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli  to support the exploration of an ancient Maya city in the largely forested region of Peten, Guatemala. The study is the first stage in an in-depth archaeological study of human-environmental dynamics in the Maya lowlands during prehispanic times. The target site, locally known as Dos Aguadas, is one of several yet to be documented ancient cities built by the Maya in the rainforest. It has the peculiarity of being situated next to two small lakes. In addition to mapping the settlement, the researchers hope to recover unprecedented data from lake sediments to document the level of deforestation and erosion that accompanied the growth and contraction of Classic-period Maya cities up until their mysterious abandonment in AD 900. According to Dr. Estrada-Belli this study has the potential to clarify several pressing issues in Maya history, including the overall level of deforestation required by the Maya to support densely settled populations and monumental architecture, and ultimately what role environmental degradation may have played in the collapse of Classic-period Maya cities.

The National Geographic Society is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit that has been awarding research grants since 1890 for research and exploration in archaeology, biology and conservation.

The San Diego, California-based Waitt Foundation supports a variety of scientific and environmental programs with a core focus on ocean conservation.