Reforestation

The forests in Ecuador face one of the highest deforestation rates in South America. The extraction of timber, the conversion of forests into agriculture, and cattle raising are among the drivers of deforestation. Without immediate action, deforestation rates will likely exacerbate the disappearance of the forest and many species of unique endemic flora and fauna.

Jocotoco Foundation carries out restoration and reforestation projects all over the country. These projects take at least three years, as this is the minimum time it takes to guarantee the long-term survival of the newly planted trees.

Our restoration methodology has three main stages:

• Plant propagation (6 months) where seeds from native trees are collected and plants are grown in the nursery. Locally sourced seeds ensure that planted trees are adapted to the microclimate and local conditions.
• Planting (3 months) in selected areas of degraded land, the soil is prepared, and target trees are planted. Planting usually takes place during the rainy season to ensure the saplings have enough supply of water.
• Monitoring and maintenance (27 months) is carried out, i.e. surrounding grasses are cut. In the humid environment of our reserves, quickly growing grasses otherwise outcompete the recently planted trees.

With your support you will help us restore and protect the habitat of endangered species of flora and fauna like the Black-breasted Puffleg, Banded Ground-cuckoo, Blue-throated Hillstar, El Oro Parakeet and big mammals like the Spectacled Bear, Puma and Jaguar. At the same time, together we will protect the water supplies of nearby communities, store carbon, and mitigate climate change.

$5 will help us plant ONE tree and take care of it for three years.

$50 will help us plant TEN trees and take care of them for three years.