Reforestation Season 2024

We are excited to share the success of our 2024 reforestation season, made possible by the generous support of our donors. Your contributions have significantly impacted the restoration of critical habitats across the Azuero Peninsula and beyond. From May to August, we undertook ambitious reforestation projects, engaging local communities and volunteers from around the world to plant thousands of trees. This report highlights the key achievements of the season.

Cambutal:

Our reforestation efforts began on May 27 in Cambutal, where, thanks to Wedgetail, our donor we planted over 23,000 trees across different ecological niches. With a diverse mix of 86 species, this site is now home to a thriving ecosystem that supports both native flora and fauna. We were fortunate to have the enthusiastic participation of over 300 volunteers from Global Glimpse, Future Sense Foundation, local volunteers, and volunteers from different organizations, schools and universities. Our dedicated reforestation team, fondly known as "the Magnificents," under the careful guidance of our reforestation director, worked with a very well defined method and structure. Each tree was strategically planted to ensure the best match for its specific niche. Most of the trees were sourced from our in-house tree nursery, complemented by contributions from micro-producers in communities where we have established and trained community nurseries.

"The Magnificents" as we fondly call our reforestation team.

Pedasí:

Simultaneously, we carried out reforestation in Pedasí, where 4,000 trees were planted with the help of volunteers from the UK from Future Sense Foundation. This smaller plot serves as an important link in our broader reforestation strategy, connecting fragmented habitats and enhancing biodiversity in the region.

Venao:

In Venao, we embarked on one of our largest reforestation projects of the season, planting 25,800 trees of 76 different species over the course of a month. This endeavor was marked by the incredible support of over 400 volunteers, who not only contributed their time and energy but also joined us in celebrating the local culture. We hosted a reforestation party featuring traditional tamborito music, and the local women prepared a delicious meal for everyone involved. The sense of community and shared purpose was palpable, making this one of the most memorable experiences of the season.

Roxana Garcia, our programs supervisor, happily planting a tree in Chitré.

Chitré:

In July, we extended our efforts to the city of Chitré, where our team joined forces with a large number of local volunteers and the mayor of the city to plant more than 500 trees. This initiative aimed to create green spaces in the urban environment, providing much-needed shade and contributing to the city’s ecological well-being. Additionally, we conducted a small reforestation activity at a local kindergarten in Pedasi, where we planted trees with the children to teach them the importance of tree planting from an early age.

El Cacaíto:

In August, we moved to El Cacaíto, where we planted over 4,000 trees. This plot, like the others, was carefully selected for its ecological importance, and the trees planted here will play a vital role in restoring the area’s natural habitat.

Nuario:

We concluded the season in Nuario, planting 2,211 trees in this final phase. This was done with a donation from Banco General. Although this was the smallest of our reforestation projects, it was no less significant. Each tree planted represents a step forward in our ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and community empowerment.

Volunteers from Banco General who came together to plant 1,274 trees in one morning in Nuario, Las Tablas

Monitoring and Technology:

At each reforestation site, we have employed advanced monitoring techniques using ARCGIS technology. Our monitoring process includes assigning each tree an ID, photographing it, identifying its species, and recording its GPS coordinates. This data is then used to create a comprehensive web map, allowing us to track the growth and health of the trees over time. This level of detail not only ensures the success of our reforestation efforts but also provides valuable data for future conservation initiatives.

4000 + trees surveyed in the reforestation site in El Cacaito

The 2024 reforestation season has been a resounding success, and we couldn’t have achieved this without your support. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to restore critical habitats, support local communities, and foster a deeper connection between people and the environment. As we move forward, we remain committed to the long-term stewardship of these reforested areas, ensuring that the trees we’ve planted today will grow into tomorrow’s forests.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.