This is key date on Maya calendar , said to be beginning of new millennium , not end of world . Global Heritage Fund is celebrating by declaring 2012 ` ` Year of the Maya '' Aim is to highlight problems of erosion and deforestation that threaten sites . Executive director suggests 5 key Maya sites for students and novices to visit .
2012 is key date on Maya calendar , said to be start of new era , not end of world . Global Heritage Fund is celebrating by naming 2012 `` Year of the Maya '' Aim is to highlight problems of looting and deforestation that threaten sites . Executive director suggests 5 key Maya sites for enthusiasts and novices to visit .