Natural area reforestation is much more than planting trees. A healthy forest requires the commitment of the local community and municipal government, and a variety of technical criteria must be followed to permit an area to return to its "natural" state. FUNDECI/GAIA is working with the local communities in two protected areas to reforest ecologically damaged areas and to help to provide for basic human needs sustainably. Like all designated natural areas in Nicaragua, Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is affected by deforestation, and because of its proximity to major urban centers Masaya and Granada, it is seriously threatened by deforestation.
We have developed a reforestation program which is based on principles of restoration ecology, to recover natural forest in ecologically damaged areas of the reserve. In the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, we have developed agreements with local landowners and the municipal government to reforest lands which need trees to prevent soil erosion, dry season fires, and improved quality of wildlife habitat.
We have developed a reforestation program which is based on principles of restoration ecology, to recover natural forest in ecologically damaged areas of the reserve. In the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, we have developed agreements with local landowners and the municipal government to reforest lands which need trees to prevent soil erosion, dry season fires, and improved quality of wildlife habitat.
In the Xiloá community of Chiltepe Peninsula Nature Reserve, FUNDECI/GAIA provides native trees for poor local residents and conducts tree planting with children of the local school, "Heroes and Mártires de Xiloá". By involving the local community in the planting and maintenance of trees and the sustainable use of forest resources, we can identify problems and propose solutions that may be more effective in improving standards of living and making forest protection work sustainably.
Our vivero (tree nursery) is located in Estación Biológica in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. We collect seeds from local forests to promote the protection of local genetic stocks.
You can participate in our reforestation project as a volunteer. Only moderate Spanish capability is necessary. Activities vary according to the season, but include: seed collection and preparation, soil and compost preparation, nursery planting and maintenance, transfer of saplings to forest plots, and plot maintenance.
The following criteria are applied in our natural forest restoration activities:
1. Develop partnerships with land owners and the community to assure long-term protection of the reforested areas.
2. Only plant trees native to the location and appropriate to the specific site circumstances.
3. Emphasize protection of environmental services and biodiversity by planting multiple species in planting schemes that minimize erosion.
4. Utilize seed stocks recovered from the immediate area.
5. Reforestation activities should correspond to the natural seasonal cycle.
6. Utilize local and reusable materials in the activities to minimize environmental impacts.
7. Implement monitoring and custodial procedures to maximize tree survival.
